MBA Protocol | MBA Admissions Consultants

“All human beings are members of one frame,
since all at first from the same essence came.

When time afflicts a limb with pain,
the other limbs cannot at rest remain.

If thou feel not for other’s misery,
a human being is no name for thee.”

By Saadi Shirazi 13th century preeminent Persian poet
Written in United Nations headquarters New York, on a plaque beside a gifted Persian carpet

Angela lived this poem when she extended her helping hand to me. I was in Iran struggling to survive and bypass every kind of sanctions and embargoes, internet censorship and shut down, and above all the war. Applying to international programs under those conditions was not just stressful; at times, it felt almost impossible. Angela guided me through every step of my application and opened the door to an extraordinary world of knowledge, and tools.

Through her support, I was able to secure my dream program: the Master’s in Supply Chain Management at the Luxembourg Centre for Logistics and Supply Chain Management, University of Luxembourg, part of the prestigious MIT SCALE Network. At the same time, with her guidance, I also applied to the MIT Sloan Fellows SFMBA program and was selected for the interview, an achievement I will always be proud of.

But Angela’s impact went far beyond admissions. Her platform helped me reflect deeply on my values, my story, my motivations, and the difficult questions of why I am who I am, why I wanted to pursue this master’s degree, and what purpose I wanted my life to serve. She helped me understand myself better and, more importantly, communicate myself better.

Her teachings continued to help me even after the application process. During my master’s program, I used many of the lessons I learned from Angela in my Leadership course at the University of Luxembourg, especially around self-awareness, values, authenticity, and purposeful communication. In that sense, her work did not only help me get admitted; it helped me grow.

Angela combines a vast vision and knowledge of universities and their application processes with a powerful compassionate sense of humanity. She sees people not only as applicants, but as human beings with stories, fears, dreams, and potential. She challenged me, supported me, and helped me find the clearest and most authentic version of my voice.

I can say this without hesitation: I would go to war for Angela. She changed my path, strengthened my confidence, and helped me move toward a future I once thought was out of reach. I recommend Angela and CareerProtocol with absolute trust and gratitude.

I previously applied to MBA programs in the 2024-2025 cycle, completely on my own and without knowledge of what I was getting into. The results were disastrous, and I took a free consultation meeting with another well-known firm once I decided to reapply in the 2025-26 cycle to try and nail down specific areas that most needed my attention. While the meeting was productive, the price point and personality of the consultant did not match what I was looking for. I felt like just a resume to her.

I remembered watching Angela’s YouTube videos at some point previously, and found them fun, informative but also supportive. Angela was kind enough to jump on a free call with me, and opened the conversation by asking about a non-work item on my resume that she found impressive before reaffirming the previous consultant’s advice (that I was in fact a candidate for a top program with a little extra care). The program’s cost fit my budget as well as the services I required – something more self-paced with the option to schedule one-on-one sessions as I needed them.

Even though my confidence wavered at times, I never stopped believing that I deserved entry to a top program. As a member of MBA LFG, I worked with several members of the coaching team, all of whom played integral parts in my process.

Heather provided a caring shoulder during a difficult personal period right before Round 1 deadlines, helped look over my essays and fine tune them all, and we “slow-walked” my application on a call at her request so she could learn more about me. She truly approached me as a colleague and friend by reinforcing, and sometimes rebuilding, my confidence when I needed it. She saw in me what Angela, myself and others had – that I was good enough. Heather even talked like my wingman at a bar when my top choice rejected me, saying Cornell would be a better fit anyway (which she was correct about, unsurprisingly).

Along with Angela’s special sessions, including a memorable one about telling your personal story, I also worked briefly with Brian on two calls about my resume and test prep. Both produced tangible results (better looking resume and higher test score), but the fact that he was kind enough to reach out with congratulations when he learned of my acceptance to Cornell speaks to his and the team’s character and will stick with me beyond the program. The comprehensiveness of the entire program helped ensure all aspects of my application were as strong as possible.

Not only did I find supportive coaches who agreed and reinforced my beliefs, but also a team of other prospective students who cheered me on along the way. Having hit my goal of attending a top program, I feel greater confidence that I can successfully recruit for a top firm as long as I follow the structure of the program and seek out resources when I need them, just as I did through MBA Protocol. I just returned from an admitted student weekend at Cornell Johnson, where I noticed I could more comfortably introduce myself to someone new, talk about my background and my more defined post-MBA goals because I had done that for months through Protocol’s weekly check-ins and deep dives from the outset of the program.

I ultimately received two admits from Georgetown and Cornell, the latter of which I accepted. I grew up in rural Vermont and was the first in my family to graduate college. The average Cornell Johnson graduate earns three times my current salary. The Ivy League felt like a place that existed in imagination only, no matter how successful or impressive my resume, and that I would have to settle for smaller programs in the region.

Thanks in no small part to MBA Protocol, I am on the precipice of making this imagination reality and completely changing my life. To say that I am ecstatic about the results and grateful for working with Angela and her team would be the understatement of the century.

THANK YOU!

Heather’s advising process granted me a clarity of self-knowledge that did more than just enable me to clearly express myself to the schools I applied to. Not only was I admitted to my top MBA program of choice, but I conduct myself with greater resolve as a current MBA student because I have a clearer direction for my personal and professional goals from working with her. My deepest gratitude to Heather and the team at MBA Protocol.

Brian took me on as a client with only a few weeks remaining before Round 2 deadlines, after a thorough vetting process that ensured we were both fully committed to the journey ahead. From the start, he struck the perfect balance between kindness and empathy and direct, honest feedback, an approach that helped me present the strongest and most authentic version of myself in both my essays and interviews.

Brian clearly takes immense pride in his work, and it shows in the results he delivers. He consistently pushed me to improve and challenged me to think more deeply and communicate more effectively. I initially had reservations about working with a consultant, having heard mixed reviews, but Brian far exceeded my expectations. His insight into the admissions process and his strategic guidance proved invaluable, and his impact on my candidacy was truly significant. After applying to only three M7 schools, I was admitted and achieved results that exceeded anything I could have imagined.

Even beyond the application process, I will carry forward many of the lessons he shared, particularly around communication and interviewing, into my professional career.

I cannot recommend Brian highly enough. I am confident in his ability to positively impact any candidate through his expertise, dedication, and thoughtful approach.

Thank you, Brian!

Heather and MBA Protocol transformed the MBA application process from an overwhelming, stressful experience into something manageable, where I felt fully supported.

Heather guided me through every step with wisdom, patience, and genuine care. With her, I felt safe being authentic and making mistakes because I knew she would use them to give me feedback that was always on point.

Working with Heather is like having a personal cheerleader and a wise mentor by your side, someone who truly wants you to succeed and provides the specific advice you need to get there. Thanks to her support, I was able to get into the program I wanted—alongside my husband!

Applying to an MBA is not an easy task and can be very tedious. Fortunately, I found Heather through MBA Protocol to guide me through this process, and she, with her personality, experience, and ability to motivate and inspire, made my MBA application an exciting process.

I confess that at the beginning of the process, I thought I wasn’t good enough to apply and be accepted to a top school. She helped me understand my unique qualities as an international candidate and a lover of cooking and his family. Thanks to this, I was able to craft authentic and inspiring stories in my various essays and interviews, which helped me get accepted into a top program along with my wife and receive a significant scholarship.

Thank you, Heather, for empowering me and showing me that I was good enough to be accepted into my dream MBA, leveraging my strengths and weaknesses to my advantage. If you want to embark on this adventure, there is no better guide or adventure partner than her, who will very likely also help you achieve your dream.

I have to confess that I did not know that MBA coaching was even a thing until a friend in private equity hired a coach to help him apply to top-ten programs. So, when I began flirting with the idea of going back to school myself, I knew I needed support navigating what felt like an overwhelming process. With a non-traditional background, a quirkier personality, and the less-common goal of applying to European MBA programs, I needed a coach who would match that energy. Heather was the perfect fit!

My experience working with Heather was truly transformational. I came into the process lukewarm; uncertain I actually wanted to go back to school and unconvinced in the strength of my candidacy. By the time I submitted my applications, I radiated confidence in the decision to pursue an MBA and in the value that I would bring to each program to which I applied.

Applying for MBAs was an exercise in self-reflection. I learned so much about myself by telling my story to Heather and having her identify what she heard as themes and personal strengths (almost like in therapy). Once I felt empowered by my life experiences and skillset, I could think critically about what an MBA would do for my future and sincerely articulate my goals in my applications. The MBA Protocol resources and recommended schedule were incredibly empowering and made this involved process much more digestible. I loved the opportunity to write creatively to express myself and was happy to know that my voice was preserved throughout every stage in the process.

Heather was incredibly sensitive to my story and to my busy life outside of the MBA application. Knowing that I would not be able to travel to Europe to visit schools, she shared with me a local MBA showcase event that would allow me to get a better feel for the schools I was considering.

Above all, what makes Heather such a strong MBA coach is her sincere investment in the people with whom she works. Heather saw me for me, and mirrored that back to me throughout the process. I embark on this next life chapter feeling confident in myself and open to transformation through this MBA. Thank you to Heather for helping me realize my potential.

I’ll be honest, I came into this process with a lot of doubt. Low GPA, a non-competitive test score, slower career progression than most applicants. I knew the I would face challenges creating a strong profile for my applications. Heather changed that.
She never made me feel like my stats were the story. From the beginning she took the time to actually know me, my background, what I’ve been through, what drives me, and helped me find a narrative that felt genuinely mine. Not polished for admissions. Actually me. She has this ability to see something in you before you see it in yourself. That showed up in my essays, and carried through into my interviews. I walked in confident because I finally understood my own story, why I wanted the MBA and what I could contribute to my future program. In the end, I got into my dream school with a profile most people would have told me to be realistic about. I was able to lean into my passions, authenticity, and career outlook to make a lasting impression — and show that I truly belonged in the program. Without Heather, I’m not sure I get there. She’s kind, deeply knowledgeable about the MBA world, and genuinely inspiring. But what stands out most is how much she actually cares — she remembers the small details of your story and checks in on you even while juggling many clients. I cannot thank her enough for all that she has done for me and so many others. For those of you embarking on your MBA journey, Heather is exactly who you want in your corner.

When I decided in September 2024 to apply for round 2 by January, it was a sprint. I had just a few months to study for the GMAT, get my applications in order, and make some magic happen. I was referred to Angela by my GMAT instructor, and I could immediately tell she was a great fit. She has a fascination for good stories, and having started three cannabis companies, and grown up across several countries, mine was anything but a traditional MBA path.

We signed the contract in early December and hit the ground running. Her process was incredible. The way she made me download what felt like my entire life into a structured brainstorming session, my accomplishments my personality, who I was as a person, it felt like no stone was left unturned. It’s a wild feeling to have someone analyze your life and come back with insights you never considered yourself. Experiences I thought were mediocre she called out as “rockstar” stories. It felt like she was helping me craft my autobiography, not just for work, but really digging into my personality and letting it show through in every application.

We were in a race against time, and our time zone difference was actually a huge advantage. I would work on essays late into the evenings, send them at 1am, and wake up to comments from her. Rinse and repeat.

After submitting apps I was genuinely proud of, the results were humbling. I went 0/4. But I wasn’t deterred. I retook the GMAT and improved my score by 100 points. The following September, I went back into the process armed with essays I’d already written, stories I’d already excavated, and a clearer strategic gameplan Angela helped me create for reapplying. I was much more focused in the stories I told, and my career vision more aligned to my experience. Angela checked in on me, helped me retool my narrative approach, and armed me with the tools to approach this cycle myself. Success! I received offers from Kellogg, Booth, and Columbia, with a total of $390k in scholarships! (After negotiating, of course.)

I truly couldn’t have done it without her. Her ability to identify and elevate great stories is unmatched, and her genuine investment in my success across two application cycles despite me only paying for one made all the difference. She has my strongest recommendation.

I cannot recommend Angela Guido and MBA Protocol highly enough. After being introduced to her through a colleague and watching her YouTube content, I knew her systematic yet deeply personal approach to storytelling was exactly what I needed coming from an overrepresented background.

The “story discovery” process was a game-changer; it helped me distill my core values into a narrative I was truly proud of. When it came time for interviews, Angela’s personal prep for HBS and GSB was critical, refining not just my answers, but my timing and tone. Beyond the technical expertise, Angela is clearly invested in her clients’ lives. She fostered a community of applicants that provided immense comfort during an otherwise stressful year. If you want a consultant who sees you as a whole person rather than just a set of stats, look no further. I was admitted to all four schools I applied to (GSB, HBS, Wharton, and CBS), and I owe a huge part of that success to Angela.

Working with Angela was one of, if not the best, decisions I made during my MBA application process.
What truly sets her apart is that she never tried to impose a formula or reuse someone else’s success story. It is tempting for a coach to say, “this is what worked for another candidate, so you should do the same,” but Angela did the opposite. She consistently helped me draw the right answers from my own story, strengths, and motivations. As a result, my applications felt authentic rather than engineered.
At the time, I was working at an MBB firm with long hours and intense deadlines. The process was stressful and fast-paced, with real constraints. Despite this, Angela helped me manage both time and stress, and we successfully completed two full applications in just four weeks, right in the middle of an August crunch period.
While the investment was significant for me, especially given European compensation levels, it was absolutely worth it. Angela brought structure to chaos, pushed when needed, and raised the quality of my applications far beyond what I could have achieved alone. More than just improving my essays, she made the entire process clearer, calmer, and ultimately successful. In the end I was admitted to both Harvard and Stanford (with a total of $295,000 scholarships!)
I would strongly recommend Angela to anyone looking for a thoughtful, rigorous, and genuinely personalized coaching experience.

Heather helped me find my narrative and actually believe in it. I came to her unsure of whether my story was strong enough for a competitive program. She helped me see that authenticity isn’t a weakness in the admissions process; it’s the whole point!

She guided me through every step with honesty, patience, and an incredible instinct for what makes a story land. As a result, I got the outcome I’d been working toward. I couldn’t have done it without her!

If you’re serious about your application, work with Heather and MBA Protocol!

I am thrilled to be headed to Michigan Ross this year, and Brian played a pivotal role in that success. His feedback on my essays and resume was meticulous. He ensured every bullet point highlighted my impact and represented my achievements in a precise and powerful way. Brian also gave me great advice as I was working on my application. Following his lead and trusting his directions led me to success. Highly recommend his services!

When I started this process in early 2025, I was an engineer at a demanding company, and I was feeling burnt out from test prep. Since none of my peers have MBAs and my network in the MBA world was sparse, I didn’t just need someone to edit essays — I needed a strategist and counselor who could help me spend my time and energy deliberately.

Before working with Brian, I read what felt like every review on Poets & Quants and other admissions sites. I agonized over the decision and at some point I started to become skeptical…how could every consultant have glowing testimonials?

Well, Brian is the real deal.

The process with Brian and Career Protocol started off with heavy introspection and a structured effort to catalog as many life stories as I could. From this, Brian helped me frame and sculpt a cohesive, powerful story from my first blob of word vomit. The essays are unquestionably me — just clearer and more confident. Before, I felt that I could only articulate pieces of my story, though I knew there was something there. But for the first time, I was able to fully articulate it. My positioning didn’t change dramatically; it became clearer, sharper, more dignified.

Brian’s approach is a rare combination of genuine curiosity and pragmatic strategy. He is deeply interested in people and their lived experiences, but he also knows how to frame those experiences with discipline and purpose. Sharing with him parts of my life that I had previously hesitated to write about felt warm and human — never transactional. He pushed me to explore topics I might have avoided and encouraged me to think about my experiences in ways I hadn’t before. Whether it was guidance on networking or perspective on communicating with the adcom, he offered both practical advice and steady judgment.

What surprised me most was how much this process affected my confidence at work. I started showing up with more intentionality and clarity. I felt more grounded in who I was and where I was going. I was promoted after submitting my application but before receiving my admission decision…I genuinely believe the mindset shift from this process played a role.

With Brian in my corner, I applied Round 1 to my top-choice program, was admitted, and ultimately chose not to apply elsewhere because I had already gotten into the school I wanted most. That outcome speaks for itself. I actually paid for two applications and only needed one and would happily do it again for the clarity and confidence I gained.

If you’re analytical, skeptical, or don’t fit the typical MBA archetype — especially engineers or those navigating imposter syndrome — Brian is exceptional. He brings rigor, childlike curiosity, and grounded optimism that’s hard to beat.

I started working with Angela when I was 18 for behavioral interviews in college and reconnected with her again and all of MBA Protocol for my MBA applications. MBA prep is a beast of its own, and I did need some hand-holding at times, which they provided in exactly the right way. The number of resources and guidance available is endless, and what I found most helpful was how they kept me on track with a timeline and helped me figure out my story.

Timeline-wise, it was really easy for me to get overwhelmed with everything there is to do from numerous resume and essay revisions, to attending MBA events, working with recommenders, and the GRE, but MBA Protocol laid it out in a way that felt manageable, with a clear agenda and path. My coach would even nudge me when I was starting to fall behind, which I needed. I was also able to talk through whether this was the right year for me to apply while juggling other things I had going on personally.

For the story discovery process, that was really the foundation for every MBA essay I wrote, even for the schools I applied to on my own. Talking through my experiences helped me connect dots I didn’t see myself. For one of my schools, we finalized everything, and two weeks prior to the deadline, we completely scrapped an essay and started from a new angle and it’s the essay I’m most proud of because it shows a side of me I never would have thought to show otherwise.

I applied to 6 schools and got 4 interviews. When I began the interview prep process with Angela, I already felt a lot of confidence in my story. We practiced answers to key questions from my target schools to ensure I was ready for anything.

I am happy to report that despite a below average GRE score, I was admitted to Yale, Ross, and Booth with a total of $460,000 in scholarships, setting me up to make the career pivot I’ve been dreaming about for years now.

Overall, MBA Protocol not only helped me get into business school, but they helped me get scholarships that I never would have expected. It has completely paid off for me. There are many other ways they helped me with such as providing my recommenders with great materials on the best way to write a recommendation, connecting me with GRE tutors, and even after application submissions with tips and tricks to navigate waitlists. I couldn’t recommend Angela and MBA Protocol enough, especially if you want someone invested in your outcome.

I won’t beat around the bush. Working with Heather is one of the best decisions I made in my MBA application journey.

She has an incredible ability to see and understand people’s character, and after speaking to her in a single 30-minute session I felt like we had known each other for years. She saw things in me and my story that surprised me in the moment, but that left me thinking “Of course. It couldn’t be anything else.” We later leveraged those insights into essays that got me accepted with a scholarship into my first choice despite a below-median test score. She never doubted for a second that I would make it, even if I myself did (constantly).

She’s sharp, resourceful, honest, comforting, and, above all, kind. She went above and beyond and she’s kept in touch even after I got accepted.

Should you decide to commit to the journey and the seemingly unending months of stress, uncertainty, and questioning of every single decision you’ve ever made, know that Heather is there and you can count on her.

I decided to apply to business school rather late in the process – about two months before the R1 deadline. I had strong work experience in private equity and a solid GMAT score, but knew nothing about the application process and realized I was going to need expert support to craft quality applications on the short timeline I had.

Brian was enormously helpful in supporting my application. He was genuinely invested in my success and his expertise shown through in his knowledge of each school – he helped me write to the personality of each school, crafting unique essays for each prompt rather than trying to cram one or two concepts for prompts that didn’t fit.

Most valuable was Brian’s commitment to intellectual honesty. Multiple times, I wrote drafts that simply weren’t up to snuff and needed full rewrites – he didn’t hesitate to tell me so when they did, and my applications were much better for it. He pushed me to write personal (and occasionally difficult) stories that conveyed my personality and connected with the reader. What’s more, Brian went above and beyond to help me hit deadlines while juggling a tight timeline and busy work schedule, often turning drafts multiple times in a day as we came down to the wire.

With Brian’s support, I was admitted to 4/6 schools to which I applied, including $100K scholarships at Wharton and Booth and $80K from Kellogg. Brian is a skilled, high-integrity expert and I can’t recommend him enough.

I could not have done it without Brian. He knew exactly where to challenge me and exactly where to provide support. Brian was truly a steady hand from day 1, all the way until the 11th hour the day before submitting!

As a former investment banker / current private equity associate, I thought I had a very “basic” story that was going to be a large hindrance for my admission into top schools. Not only that, my test scores were below median. However, Brian challenged me to dig deep and helped me tell my story that shined in my essays and eventual interviews. I ended up going 2 for 2 and getting significant scholarship from both Booth and Kellogg.

Throughout the entire process, I was extremely busy with work. Brian kept me on top of my deadlines (with several reminder emails!) in order to avoid a final jam job at the end. Without Brian, my application process would have 100% slipped into Round 2 and created additional stress.

Lastly, and most importantly, Brian was an absolute pleasure to work with. He always answered extremely quickly, and it was always fun to hop on the phone with him. Brian was 110% worth it!

I shopped around a bit to find an admission consultant that I felt would help me do my best, and felt an immediate connection with Brian. In our intro call, Brian showed knowledge of some relatively niche interests of mine that I didn’t expect any admission consultants to know anything about. His intellectual curiosity stood out to me, and I knew that he would be the right choice for me. This proved valuable, as Brian consistently made sure he was informed on various niche topics that I wanted to work into my essays.
While I’ve always considered myself a decent writer, Brian went above and beyond to push me towards some of the best writing I’ve ever done. I never thought I’d write about my middle school years spent on World of Warcraft, especially in an MBA admission essay, but Brian catalyzed my creative juices, urged me to make bold choices, and the WoW story in one of my intro paragraphs ultimately landed me an offer from a dream M7. My admission essays ended up being some of the most personal writing I’ve ever done, and I would not have had the courage to write the stories that I did without Brian’s coaching.

The cherry on top was the support that Brian gave me when I failed to achieve the test scores that I wanted on the first go around. He linked me up with a GMAT/GRE tutor whom he used to coach with, and 4 weeks after my initial test, I achieved the exact score I was aiming for.

Applying to MBA programs is one of the most time-consuming, anxiety-inducing, and stressful experiences that one can possibly go through. Brian talked me through the lowest points, and made me feel understood when nobody else in my life knew quite what I was going through. In the end, I was admitted to two M7 schools (one with some scholarship $), and two T15 programs (both with substantial scholarship $$$). I absolutely could not have done this without Brian, and I highly recommend him to anyone considering an MBA admission coach!

If you want the best, go with Angela. I would choose MBA Protocol over and over again. With their support, I was admitted to Booth, Kellogg, Yale, Berkeley, and Ross, with over $400K in scholarships.

I started seriously considering doing an MBA almost 3 years ago. That’s when Angela spawned in my YouTube algorithm with her energetic, candid, and refreshingly honest videos. I learned about other MBA consulting firms later on, but it was immediately clear that Angela’s approach and level of care were on a completely different level.

We had our very first call 3 years ago. Even though I was still early in the process, Angela already saw my candidacy clearly. She helped me identify the values that would eventually define my story, and we talked not just about schools, but about what an MBA could truly mean for my life and long-term goals. That early belief in me and the clarity she brought made it obvious that Angela and her team were the right partners to help me achieve my dreams.

When I officially signed up for my MBA Guided Quest Package this year, I was welcomed by the whole MBA Protocol community – creating something truly unique. Beyond working 1:1 with my coach, I fully took advantage of the huddles and office hours held by other coaches, as well as exchanging advice with the other clients who became an extended part of my journey. The chance to interact with multiple people gave me continuous fresh perspectives, inspiration, and ideas to keep going and improve my apps every single day. The level of care and attention I received was simply beyond expectations.

Plus, I got the chance to work with Angela herself – from reviewing my career game plan to refining resume bullet points. This is the real competitive advantage of MBA Protocol: you’re never alone. In fact, you’re surrounded by experts who actively support you at every step in a community of peers that inspire you to aim higher.

You really cannot go wrong with this company. Choosing Angela and MBA Protocol was one of the best decisions I made in this journey, truly a unicorn in the MBA admissions world.

When I hired MBA Protocol, I was pleasantly surprised by the wealth of resources available. But the most amazing one, besides working with my main coach, was meeting Heather and having her by my side.

In parallel with my 1:1 work, Heather hosted weekly “momentum calls” for the MBA Protocol group to check in on each of our application journeys. In those sessions, she consistently offered sharp advice, exquisitely honest and thoughtful feedback, and words of wisdom grounded in years of P&Q expertise – all while keeping our energy and momentum high.

Through her calls, I had the chance not only to prepare my applications, but also to meet other brilliant MBA aspirants, creating a true community of ambitious, energetic, and genuinely fun people.

With her great emotional intelligence and empathetic leadership, Heather knows how to truly support you while also offering valuable perspectives. Anyone going through the MBA application process would be incredibly lucky to have her in their corner.

I worked on MBA applications last year without any guidance or knowledge as to what I was doing. I got into some lower ranked schools, but knew I could shoot higher and opted to try again. I happened upon some YouTube information videos from the MBA Protocol / Happy at Work team, enrolled in their course after a consultation, and connected with Heather shortly thereafter.

Heather not only agreed with me that I could level up and gain acceptance to top 10-20 programs, but she also took a personal interest in my doing so. We worked together in one-on-one sessions as we went over two applications that became the scaffold for the other four I sent in for Round 1 2025, and met through team calls every week to check in. We “slow-walked” my application as Heather was genuinely interested in reading about my personal and professional journey, and we fine-tuned several stories I brought to the table that showcased the best of me. She was always excited to see me, and we cheered on updates no matter how big or small. There were challenging moments through the process where my strong convictions wavered, but her belief in me never did.

As she predicted, I got into one of my two top choices despite below median test scores and unconventional (and not exactly prestigious) work experience. The prospect of attending an Ivy League MBA program still feels unreal as a small-town northeastern kid through and through, but that is exactly what will happen this fall! And it would not have been possible without the support of Heather, as well as the entire MBA Protocol / Happy at Work team and fellow future students I’ve met along the way. I cannot wait to get started on campus!

Repeat with me: “I. Want. Brian.”
With Brian, I was admitted to 5 out of 6 MBA programs with $150k+ scholarships: Booth, Kellogg, Yale, Haas, and Ross (and was invited to interview at Wharton as well).

I’m an international future student who has been working in Marketing and Sales for the past 5 years. From the very first call with Brian, I could immediately tell that he’s not only an amazingly professional and trustworthy person, but he’s also the chillest, most fun guy I’ve met in years. And trust me: you really want someone you can fully trust and who lifts your mood during this process – especially when you’re doing it on your own and most friends and family won’t fully grasp the amount of work ahead.

Brian will not forget a single detail of your personal and professional story. He has remarkable emotional intelligence and an incredible ability to highlight your persona in the strongest, most authentic way. With his help – made of lots of laughter, some shared tears, and tough love – I developed the most compelling stories in my essays, without ever settling or feeling like I wasn’t myself.

But the work we did went far beyond essays. We rebuilt my resume from scratch (even though my previous one had already helped me get into FAANG companies), strategized on the best recommenders, and carefully selected the portfolio of schools that best fit my goals and dreams. Most importantly, Brian was always there: ready to answer questions of all kinds and to offer thoughtful, honest advice whenever I needed it.

You just cannot go wrong with Brian. And, in the end, he’s someone that will always root for you as long as you are willing to work hard, be authentic, and have fun. I already miss working with him, but I’m sure I’ll keep in touch for the rest of my life.

“I. Want. Brian.”

Working with MBA Protocol was truly a turning point in my MBA journey. From day one, I felt like I’d finally found people who genuinely believed in me and my story—even at times when I struggled to believe in myself. With Charli as my main coach and Heather as my supplemental coach, I gained writing and interviewing skills that I’ll carry with me throughout my entire career.

MBA Protocol also excels at building a real sense of community. Being surrounded by others who were navigating the same phase of life made the process both motivating and grounding. Under my coaches’ guidance, I received interview invitations from 5 of the 6 schools I applied to, all T25 programs, except for my safety, and ultimately earned an acceptance to my top-choice school with a half-tuition scholarship and a full-ride to my safety. I couldn’t be more grateful for their support, expertise, and faith in me. Highly recommend!

TL;DR: I was a reapplicant with one offer who sought a high touch, yet personal, consultant to counsel me through the reapplication process. Brian was exactly who I needed and now I find myself this time around with multiple top 10 offers and serious scholarship support. Brian, and the larger MBA Protocol team, have been nothing but an asset and I would highly recommend partnering with them through your process.

In 2024-2025, I applied with little to no guidance to four schools with a below average GPA, strong GRE score, and strong work experience. I was accepted to my safety school, waitlisted at a top 10, and rejected outright from the other two top 10s.

I was tempted to take the offer from my safety school, but felt a nagging feeling to apply again. I knew if I was going to do the whole application process over again, I’d have to have the helping hand of a consultant who truly knew how to overcome the hurdle of my poor GPA.

I shopped around the major consulting firms and was no doubt impressed by their track record and extensive resources, but there was a lack of personal touch that I knew would be important in this very people-based process.

I had previously stumbled upon MBA Protocol and their marketing, filled with unicorns and rainbows, stuck out to me. When I reached out, I felt that personal touch that had been absent with some of the other consulting firms I had spoken to. I was blown away by the initial support and energy the MBA Protocol Team had for my profile. I signed on hoping for the best.

What I received was even better than I could have hoped for. Brian. the MBA Application Wizard himself, sat down with me for two hours to chat through my 10+ page Discovery process and identified all of the great stories I could tell. We went through 19 iterations of my resume and another 19 versions of my target school’s essays. The level of personal touch, expertise, and care was pretty incredible. There were multiple times I came to Brian with near paranoia and he was able to say “we got this dude.” Sure enough, he was right.

I sit here now, mid December 2025, with three top 10 acceptances, $120K of scholarship, and waiting to hear from my final four schools. The MBA admissions process is nuanced in ways you won’t understand unless you have a guide. Working with Brian and the MBA Protocol Team was a fantastic decision for me and my journey as a reapplicant. The time, effort, and capital committed to the process is well worth it with Brian and the MBA Protocol team.

Working with Heather has been one of the most transformative experiences of my life. She helped me get in front of my own narrative, something I had been terrified to do, and encouraged me to lay it all on the table truthfully. For so long, I believed my story wasn’t what admissions committees were looking for. I didn’t think I was a real contender in a land of competition and high test scores, but Heather helped me see that my truth is my strength.

When I started this process, I had my heart set on one school. But Heather challenged me to dig deeper, do more research, and go big or go home. She guided me every step of the way in finding my definition of success and pushed me to apply to my dream programs.

Through our work together, I learned that vulnerability is power. I shared my real story about addiction, recovery, an eating disorder, credit card debt, and spinal tumor removal—to scratch the surface. Heather helped me weave those experiences into a cohesive and inspiring narrative that showed not just where I have been, but who I have become and where I am headed.

Heather doesn’t just prepare you for an MBA application. She helps you step into the next evolution of yourself with confidence, clarity, and heart. Heather doesn’t just do her job; she really cares about people and what happens next, and you know you can’t go wrong with a coach like her. I will forever be grateful that she believed in me before I fully believed in myself. The MBA is just the beginning.

I applied to Kellogg and Booth for part-time MBA programs and Brian helped me with both applications. He brought honesty, empathy, and strategic clarity that made the entire application process structured. With his help I received admits from both schools.

From our first brainstorming session, he pushed me to think beyond surface-level stories and uncover the real motivations and patterns behind my experiences. His feedback was always direct, helping me sharpen my essays into clear, authentic narratives. His writing and storytelling advice continue to help me well beyond the MBA applications.

Beyond essay guidance, his mock interviews and networking insights were instrumental in building my confidence and refining my communication style.

I’d strongly recommend Brian to anyone looking for a thoughtful, candid, and results-driven consultant.

If you are looking for a smart coach who cares about you and your success just as much as you, Vijay’s your guy. He’s by no means a mind reader, but he’s sure got a lot of nuanced insights and a way with people – he’ll connect with you as a person to understand what makes you YOU.

I like people who are particularly dependable and calm when the music stops. Looking back, Vijay’s calm and dependable personality was the MVP of my tumultuous but successful MBA journey. There were the last-minute revisions when I’d email him my essays late at night and he’d send back helpful comments by morning. There were those last-minute changes I’d make to my short-question essays to better communicate in those tiny 300-character word counts – in the evening before submission no less, after work had eaten up my entire week. There was the pre-recorded video interview I had to do within 24 hours – I hadn’t planned anything and was panicking when Vijay hopped on a call, calmed me down, and proposed a neat structure. I executed on it and the response turned out great. While last minute work certainly wasn’t my norm, when it happened, it really was high stakes for me, and Vijay was there. Through all of this, he stayed steady and helped me push through.

You want someone who himself has gone through the ring and come out swinging. Vijay had already been where I was as an MBA applicant and he knew the gaps I would have, the doubts that would creep in and work that needed doing. It took a lot of effort making those applications, and a lot of learning to understand how to be authentic in my essays and interviews. Even though it was me who put the work in, I know without Vijay’s nudges and shepherding, the process would still have been a little bit out of reach. I am very grateful : )

I loved working with Vijay and enjoyed the Career Protocol’s overall approach to MBA applications. The CP folks go by “MBA coaches” [not consultants] and Vijay embodied that in every sense, letting me drive the game play into directions I wanted to go in while guiding me throughout the way.

A few things that stood out:

a) They backed me before the score did.
CP onboarded me without waiting for my GRE score and after having received it, helped me apply to schools I wanted to go to, not ones they believed were a match. This is rare in MBA consulting. Most coaches I contacted in India said, “Let’s talk after you get your score.” and when I asked them what schools I should apply to, never have I been asked the question: “Where do you want to go?”. Vijay was the first.

b) The process of discovering my stories was impeccable.
We began with a 40-page write-up of all the turning points in my life, personal and professional, which gave me all the fodder I needed for essays and interviews. In a two-hour long conversation, Vijay reflected back some of the moments that stood out to him, helping me commit to the themes I really wanted to explore. I tend to write whimsically and was nervous that coaching might flatten that voice—but Vijay encouraged me to keep it. And I’m so glad I did. I never felt like my work was rewritten into something generic; it always felt like mine.

c) He helped me shoot my shot and get in.
Vijay went above and beyond, supporting me through two additional schools when I was struggling, even though it was technically “out of scope.” I was insecure about having worked at only one company for five years—even though the progression had been strong—and from our very first call, Vijay helped quiet the noise around what I had assumed was or wasn’t “MBA material.” We did more versions of my resume than any essay, teasing out the nuance in the different roles I’d held and helping me capture the full scope of my contributions. I also walked away with heuristics I’ll use for every resume update to come. Most importantly, I now feel more confident in my story and my ability to hold my own at a place like Stanford.

d) The Career Protocol community was a real value-add.
Office hours exposed me to multiple coaching perspectives, and I appreciated that my essays got input from more than one coach. The collaboration across the team showed through in the final product.

I’m so grateful for all the support I received over the past year, from the coaching to the community to the sheer belief in my potential. With Vijay’s help, I not only got into both Stanford GSB and London Business School, but I also feel more grounded in my story and more confident about what I bring to the table.

I am so glad I crossed paths with Louise. I met Angela Guido and Career Protocol through the Forté network. I decided to seek their help as a reapplicant (as a couple people I knew had sought help from them and gotten into HBS) and worked with Louise throughout the whole summer to strengthen my application as much as possible. Louise has been the most supportive, caring and hard-working coach I could have possibly imagined. She gave me tailored and really insightful feedback throughout our time working together, always showing me how to deliver my best possible story, while staying close to my values and true perspective. She always went the extra mile to make sure I had my essays and whole stories crafted in the best possible way. To be honest, my work with her was therapeutic in pinpointing episodes of my life beyond MBA prep. Through her support, I was able to get into my dream business school – Stanford – as well as into Booth with very good scholarship. She will be the best coach if you decide to work with her.

12 months ago I was down in the dumps. After 8 years of riding the self employment rollercoaster my business was getting quiet once again. I had just lost a parent, I was lacking direction and knew I needed a factory reset. I was seeking a path to a more purposeful existence that offered stable employment and long term financial prospects.

I was a 32 year old immigrant with a BA in Communications from a European university and I had no direct corporate experience. I had worked in media production for 8 years taking whatever work came through.

After spending many nights going down rabbit holes looking for inspiration, googling “how to get a good job”, I discovered Career Protocols YouTube page and benefited from a wealth of information that I felt was leading me in the right direction. I had never heard of an MBA or a GRE!

I recognize the ridiculousness of pursuing a $150k degree without a specific career goal but the employment reports were promising and I knew with the right guidance this could be an opportunity to get back on track. I was open to new challenges but didn’t want to completely start from scratch competing with 22 year olds for entry level jobs. I was willing to make the investment in myself to learn new skills which would help me to compete for coveted roles at amazing companies that I currently had no access to. I rolled the dice, made contact with Career Protocol and was matched with Brian Birdwell, aka The Wizard.

Within the first week of working together I knew my investment with CP was going to pay off. The first round of essay edits opened my mind to a whole new way of storytelling and I can’t believe I ever thought I could do it alone. We did a deep dive into my entire background and not only did Brian identify the most impactful events of my life, he wove them into a framework that helped me rediscover my confidence, recognize my achievements and inspired me to reach for the stars.

Brian balances being an absolute professional while also being the chillest dude. He’s a sage and has an unbelievable memory – 2 months into the process he was still recalling details of my background that I had mentioned during our initial discovery call, making for an incredibly personalized experience.

Aside from my age, lack of corporate exposure and unclear career goals, I hadn’t taken a math test in 14 years. I self studied over the Summer and improved immensely but ultimately managed to score below average on the GRE. In hindsight I should have sought professional help here as well. I subsequently took the Executive Assessment, scoring above average, and I used that test score when applicable.

Brian helped to identify programs for which I was a competitive candidate but encouraged me to apply to a range of schools. Despite the initial challenges with my profile we stuck to the plan and I ended up getting admitted to Michigan Ross, NYU Stern, Georgetown, the University of Washington Foster with a scholarship and I was waitlisted at Columbia!

I am immensely proud of what we achieved, particularly because I crafted truly authentic, soul bearing stories that are entirely original and unique to my experiences. Before connecting with Brian I interviewed 2 other admissions consulting firms. One of them told me I didn’t have a chance at top programs and the other pitched a scenario where their team of writers would interview me once and then write my essays for me – a ludicrous proposition. During one MBA school interview the admissions director told me I was one of the best storytellers that had ever applied to their program – wow. Without Brian’s expertise that would never have been possible.

This service is so much more than just essay support. It’s part admissions consulting, interview training, resume refining, school selection, career guidance, community support and at times, therapy. I achieved what I set out to do and learned an arsenal of new skills that I will take with me into my MBA and beyond. I am eternally grateful to Brian, Angela and the Career Protocol community!

After working with Brian, I was accepted to 4 out of the 5 schools I applied to with over $400K in scholarships — I am going to Wharton with a $120K scholarship. Coming into business school applications, I didn’t know where to start or what range of schools I could feasibly target. Brian was a great help in guiding me through the entire process from helping me choose schools to really clarifying my personal story and narrative in my application. He is very silly and kind to work with which really helped me deal with my stress and anxiety while also making sure I met deadlines. He also genuinely gets to know you as a person and references anecdotes from your conversations when talking through essay edits. Brian stands out from other consultants because he makes the process feel fun and exciting and doesn’t take himself too seriously while also acknowledging how significant of a milestone and opportunity applying to business school is. I am so glad I worked with Brian – I would have been lost without his guidance!

I was a re-applicant sitting on 4 waitlists from R2 in 2024, and it was quite a challenge to say something new altogether while putting my application together for R1 again! I had maxed out on GMAT/ GRE, and I felt I needed a fresh approach and perspective for my stories. A friend introduced me to Brian in May 2024 and rest is history – I’m thrilled to say I’m now admitted to Kellogg!
Although I revisited many of the same stories I had already shared, I learnt so much about how to tell my story, the concept of “SHOW, DON’T TELL”, my accomplishments, and my values. The fresh approach and a new lens made all the difference!
Another thing I really appreciated was how organized everything was with Brian. His standard 48-hour turnaround kept the momentum going, and he matched my pace perfectly – a stark contrast to the experience I had with the consultant from previous year. And to top it off, Brian’s direct feedback helped me better prepare for interviews as well. By the end of my submissions, I felt a genuine sense of satisfaction and fulfilment that had eluded me in my prior applications.

I cannot recommend working with Brian enough! When I started the process of applying to business school, I was feeling burnt out and unconfident. I had spent the better part of a year securing a GMAT score that I felt I could apply with. I ended up getting a decent GMAT score, but I knew that I was still at the low end of scores for the programs I was applying to. I was seriously worried that I would not get into any program, let alone any of my top choices.

Cut to 6 months later. I ended up getting into 5 out of 6 schools I applied to (all top 20 programs) and received over $300,000 in scholarship offers! I’m confident that I would not have had so much success in my MBA applications without working with Brian.

I immediately felt comfortable and confident working with Brian. His experience in MBA consulting was evident from the first call when he clearly laid out the plan for how we would tackle Round 1 applications together and was able to recall specifics about the schools I was applying to on the fly. He kept me organized and on track throughout the process and was always available for a quick question or to talk through any concerns. Brian also helped me to do the important self-reflection necessary to tell my story throughout my applications. He made the process fun and exciting, and I think that energy really showed in my applications.

Working with Brian gave me the peace of mind that I was doing everything I could to get into business school. I knew from our second meeting that working with Brian was worth every penny when he was able to recall every detail from my Discovery Document (the first step to working with a coach Career Protocol) that outlined essentially my entire life story. Not only did this show me that I was in capable hands, but also that I was working with someone who genuinely cared about my future success. Brian helped me shine throughout the application process and I cannot thank him enough for that! I know that he will do the same for you too!

I worked with Brian Birdwell at Career Protocol, and it was the best decision I could have made. I was coming from an over-represented demographic and an overrepresented industry with less than dazzling test scores, so I knew that story telling would be the key to my success. I was confident that I had an interesting story to tell, but I didn’t know how to tell it, and that’s exactly what Brian and career protocol helped with. They really focused on me writing authentically and truthfully about who I am and what I want to do rather than what the schools “want to hear.” I was admitted to 3 of the 5 schools I applied to (two with over 50% scholarship) including my top choice. I am 100% confident that I would not have gotten the scholarship money or maybe even the acceptance if I was not working with Brian and career protocol. If you believe you have an interesting story to tell and need to find a way to express it, Career Protocol is the place for you.

I had the pleasure of working with Vijay when I was applying to multiple top MBA programs. Before I met Vijay, I was struggling to find my voice and my purpose of going to b-school. It was until I met Vijay that I was able to craft my story in my essays, restore my confidence, and find my purpose for my career. Working with Vijay was an amazing experience because we built an organic relationship where I was able to reflect on my experiences and discover what really propels me in life. I had many insecurities about my upbringing and academic background, but Vijay helped me embrace these areas and make them into my unique strengths, giving life to my unique story. Working with Vijay felt like getting mentored by a passionate life coach who always inspires you and makes you feel good and proud about yourself. I really needed this during a time at which I lacked confidence and felt getting into a top MBA program seemed impossible. He helped me discover who I am. He is an outstanding listener and helps connect you with the best version of yourself. Through Vijay’s relentless energy and outstanding coaching, I was able to navigate seamlessly through the application process, and get admitted into Chicago Booth. Thank you, Vijay!

It was almost by accident that I stumbled upon the existence of deferred MBA programs. It was not an accident that I chose Angela to help me on my MBA application journey.

I looked into all the MBA programs that offered deferred MBAs and realized it was something that I wanted to pursue. I knew that I had a very untraditional background and on top of that, I was never the best at writing – especially when it came to writing about myself. I started the process shortly before I began my final year of undergrad and spent the first few weeks doing basic research. It was here that I first came across various admissions consultants through some of their free online resources, Career Protocol included.

As one does, I scheduled as many of those free 30 minute consultations with as many consultants as possible to get different insights and thoughts on my background and my chances at a top program. Out of all of these initial consultations, the last one I had scheduled was with Career Protocol. It was here that I met Angela for the first time and I quickly knew that I wanted to work with her throughout this process. She not only found my profile interesting and compelling (which was not the same for other consultants I spoke with) but also connected with me as a person. Going into this, I had doubts about my profile and how I could connect all the different dots in my story. Those were quickly dispelled shortly after beginning the Career Protocol process. Angela believed in me and helped me tell my story to the admissions committee and I became a better communicator in the process. Throughout my application journey, Angela was amazing to work with and for someone who always struggled with writing, she made the process as easy and enjoyable as possible.

Looking back on the process and having now been accepted to the Stanford GSB class of 2029, I can say with certainty that Angela was the best possible person to help me tell my story.

From my first call with Vijay, I felt safe and comfortable being transparent about who I am and what I wanted to gain from the MBA process. Vijay genuinely cared about my story and my success, which made me confident in working with him.

This was particularly meaningful because other consultants I encountered were very formal, while Career Protocol, with Vijay, was relaxed and approachable.

Throughout multiple draft iterations of my resume and essays, Vijay pushed me to reflect deeply and integrate those insights with exceptional communication techniques. This approach made me feel like I was truly taking ownership of my story.

Vijay’s coaching style perfectly blended honesty, firmness, and care. Through the Discovery PowerPoint presentation, I could see aspects of my story that I hadn’t recognized or considered relevant to my business school application before. Figuring out the essay structures was challenging, and I was initially nervous about aiming high, but Vijay’s support made all the difference.

Advice for future students: Trust the process. Put in the time, do the assignments, and don’t cut corners. Be punctual and committed, and you’ll see the results

I went from “I have no chance of getting into an MBA program” to multiple M7 and Top 10 MBA acceptances with scholarship in the span of 6 months. I couldn’t have done it without Louise!

I’d been thinking about applying to MBA programs for years but the time was “never right” or “I wasn’t ready yet.” So, when I finally decided this was the year, I was sure I would be able to navigate the process myself given all the research I’d done, and didn’t consider hiring a coach. But at the suggestion of a friend, I utilized Career Protocol’s free 30-minute consultation, and was lucky enough to be matched with Louise. What a game-changer for me.

Going into the meeting, I brought with me everything I’d internalized about my chances for MBA success: I needed to be someone who just wanted to make a lot of money in the corporate world, I was probably too old or too “non-traditional” to get in, I didn’t have any family members who got an MBA so I probably wasn’t cut out for it, etc. But Louise made me feel seen and valued for who I was and made me excited about how an MBA could help me work toward MY OWN goals and values, even if they weren’t like everyone else’s. I decided to work with her and could not be happier with how our time together unfolded: Louise truly changed my life for the better. She taught me that the MBA is at its core a leadership degree, and there is power in digging deep, telling your story, and using that life-long skill in pursuit of the change you want to make in the world.

Every step of the way, Louise helped me stay on track with tight timelines and progress, all the while guiding me with an encouraging spirit that always brought me back on top of all my doubts to a place where I felt truly excited and capable about going after my MBA goals. She is a wonderful listener and was always able to highlight the wisdom in my ideas, helping me to trust that all that I needed to succeed was already available to me. I still have some of her words of encouragement written on an index card that helped me go into interviews with confidence and humility. It’s no exaggeration to say that Louise is one of the kindest, calmest, realest, and most caring people I have ever met, and I am so much better off for having worked with her.

I have three pieces of advice for anyone starting out on their MBA journey: 1) TRUST YOURSELF. Whatever story and goal resonates for you, no matter how traditional or non-traditional, just stick with it and be confident that you have value to add, 2) Don’t let everything you read or hear about MBA admissions make you think you aren’t capable of landing an awesome offer, and 3) if you can find a way to afford it, please, please, please work with Career Protocol and Louise. I promise you will become a better version of yourself and the ripple effect of that will extend FAR beyond your MBA acceptance. Good luck!!

I worked with Louise in 2023-24 cycle and received admits from Wharton and CBS. She has a fantastic process where she: (I) helps you identify your personal highlights ie stories which shaped your life (ii) Gives you a primer on the nuances each school tries to evaluate (iii) (part which I loved the most) “nudges” you to tie up your personal journey and motivation for each school (iv) Solicits feedback from CP team to ensure the best output. The way she nudges you to improve your story is through “questions” rather than opinions which help you to think through and “feel” your story as it develops. Apart from the success with admits, I’d credit her with helping me become a better story teller.

My entire MBA application process became a valuable learning journey with Vijay, who helped me clarify my career path and life goals. The coaching steps were thoughtfully designed, starting with a self-awareness questionnaire that encouraged deep reflection on my past successes, failures, personality, and values. This was followed by an inspiring kickoff call that provided profound insights.
Vijay’s reasonable analysis helped me build the confidence to set ambitious school choices and work diligently toward achieving them within a structured timeline. The online coaching videos were excellent resources for learning about storytelling, resume building, recommender selection, and networking.
I was particularly impressed by Vijay’s prompt feedback on my essays, offering valuable comments and thoughts—something every applicant hopes for as the application submission deadline approaches. Despite the short but intense application period, I deeply appreciate Vijay’s hard work and exceptional cooperation, which played a crucial role in making my dream come true.

When I fully committed to starting my MBA journey, I was completely lost and didn’t know where to begin. Coming from a creative role at a small company where having a MBA was a foreign concept, and having a blue-collar family unfamiliar with the graduate application process, I quickly realized I needed a lot more support to get into a top program.

Thankfully, I found my way to Career Protocol and joined the Catalyst Program where I started working with Sarah. From the beginning, Sarah was amazing. She could tell I was anxious about the long to-do list needed to submit for Round 1. She helped slow me down and gave me timelines of how we were going to accomplish everything, easing my fear of not finishing my applications in time. The fog that clouded the MBA application process was quickly lifted as Sarah expertly explained how we were going to get me across the finish line.

Sarah was also incredibly friendly and answered all my questions, no matter how small. Her responsiveness was impressive too. She always got back to me quickly, which was crucial given the tight deadlines and the looming possibility of getting stuck on a particular section of the application for too long. She was gentle yet clear and direct about the reality of the application process, helping me understand both my strengths and areas that needed improvement.

One of the most significant ways Sarah supported me was by helping define my story and giving me confidence in it. She made me realize that I was enough, my experience was enough, and the key was to consolidate both in a compelling way. Initially, I got trapped in a loop of rewriting my story over and over again, trying to cater to what the schools might be looking for. She helped me course-correct and explained that my story should be about me and come from my voice, not a voice molded for the sake of a specific school. She reassured me that my story was worth telling and I ended up writing essays I was extremely proud of.

Throughout the process Sarah’s guidance felt natural and genuine. It was obvious that she cared about my success and believed in my potential. She became my biggest cheerleader, constantly reminding me that I could accomplish more than I thought I could. Originally, my goal was to get into a T15 school, but I feared I wouldn’t even accomplish that. With Sarah’s support, I ended up getting into an M7 school, which was beyond my wildest dreams. I couldn’t have done it without her.

Sarah’s support was invaluable, and I am immensely grateful for her guidance and belief in me. She truly was my rock through the MBA application process, and I wholeheartedly recommend her to anyone embarking on this journey. Working with her potentially changed the course of my life.

My first interaction with Angela was somewhat parasocial as I binged MBA content on YouTube in an attempt to fully understand what I was getting myself into. Out of all the content uploaded by various firms, Angela and Career Protocol stood out as being genuine, unique, and somehow able to make the process of applying to schools seem fun and exciting. The rainbows and unicorns definitely helped!

From her massive library of free content, I was hooked. I loved Angela’s approach to the application process so much that I applied to be an anonymous “Bob” on her Bob Project series on YouTube. Through this, I was able to meet Angela and interact one-on-one, going over my goals and plan to succeed in my MBA application process. Our conversation filled me with confidence not only in Angela’s vast library of knowledge but in myself and what I was capable of. Within a few weeks, I joined the Catalyst program through Career Protocol and started working with Angela and the team more directly.

In the Catalyst program it became obvious how incredibly down-to-earth Angela and the team are, and how they genuinely want to help people succeed. She empowers applicants to show up as themselves, both in the world and in their MBA applications. A lot of Angela’s philosophy is centered on understanding oneself to know what you want and the path to get there. Unlike other cookie-cutter consulting services, Angela’s approach is catered to who you are and what you want out of your MBA. She aligns that with the schools you apply to and encourages your application to reflect you.

One of my most significant experiences with Angela was when I was creating my list of schools to apply to. On review, she expressed that I had a higher chance at the schools I was considering and even encouraged me to apply to more ambitious programs. She told me that my story and what I wanted out of my MBA would go far and that I had what it took to go beyond what I had initially imagined for myself. This helped start a significant mental shift for me, acknowledging that I had already come such a long way and that being myself was good enough to get into a top program.

That’s the incredible thing about Career Protocol. They take the idea of catering your application to schools and flip it on its head. Ultimately, getting an MBA is for you, so the application should be about you, your story, and where you want that next chapter to lead. It was incredibly empowering to change that narrative and actively think about what I wanted out of the process instead of how I could best cater to a list of schools I wasn’t even sure I wanted to attend.

This way of thinking is what changed the course of my MBA journey. Despite starting with the hope of getting into a T20, I was accepted into an M7 after making a strong application that specifically reflected me. I couldn’t have done it without Angela’s support and what she has created at Career Protocol. I’m incredibly grateful to have found Angela’s fun, colorful take on what the MBA application process can be and for teasing out the best version of my applications.

I’ve loved my experience so much that I’m continuing to work with Angela and Career Protocol throughout my time at school in their YOMO program. I truly believe that their process of making informed decisions for your future by looking inward works, and I highly recommend them to anyone interested in pursuing an MBA or trying to find happiness in their career. Finding Angela’s content on YouTube genuinely changed the course of my life for the better.

I was weighing between Career Protocol (“CP”) and another big-name MBA consulting firm. I ended up going with the other MBA consulting firm because I had a misconception that CP’s brand of kindness would somehow result in less “tough” and honest feedback.

I was so disappointed with the other MBA consulting firm as after paying five figures, four months passed, and I had received only one 40-minute call in spite of my many email requests to connect for more. Luckily, CP’s MBA Catalyst program reversed and saved my very soured MBA process.

CP’s resume process is worth the entire price point of the MBA catalyst program (and you get much more than just that!). CP had a methodical coaching style which gave you the tools to make each bullet ubiquitously relatable to a range of audiences, while preserving specificity. However, the real power of the CP MBA Catalyst program is it leverages the power of community (other MBA applicants). Imagine if you could find a consultant that gives you 1-1 advice while also creating a way less toxic reddit for you to have all your last minute “silly” questions answered, that is CP.

CP on a whole never gate keeps knowledge to maintain a false competitive edge within an increasingly oversaturated MBA consultant market. This is because CP’s real value-add is an impenetrable understanding on how to unlock anyone’s story and make it marketable through accentuating your uniqueness in a style that resonates with all.

CP prioritizes marketing YOU because they care, rather than many other consulting firms which market themselves to ultimately increase their profit. Therefore, given MBA consulting is an extremely amorphous profession, I implore everyone to put a premium on the character and quality of the consultants they are running diligence on, over “credentials / pedigree”. Worth noting CP has both.

In the end, it is the intrinsic motivation of the consultant to help others, that will ensure that you as the client, receive robust help that is not riddled with short cuts as there is ultimately no consequence for a consulting firm to disappear or give you lazy “advice” once you ultimately wire them your lump sum.
Angela and her team are beyond qualified in both pedigree and character. Their product is the result of years of compounding observations of what applicants need. Therefore, being a part of CP is like having a question answered every single day, that you did not even realize you had.

However, CP never rests on their laurels, they are always constantly innovating to stay above the curve and through all of their focused innovative growth centered around ultimately better serving the client, they maintain an unshakeable value of radical kindness that permeates through out every single program of theirs and every interaction.

I made a major misjudgment when I realized that Career Protocol’s “kindness” does not equate in false coddling, but means they invest more into seeing the nuanced difficult feedback you need to hear AND figuring out a clear yet respectful way to communicate it to you.

The greatest gift CP gives you are the tools to break your stale self-image through exposing you to see how your unique strengths translate into value-added leadership potential, i.e., why you are a great business school candidate.

You will not regret going with this consulting firm because they provide you with way more than just a strong MBA application, they offer you growth you never anticipated and a community to cheer you on during your journey.

Let me start with the headline, Brian was instrumental in me getting into 5 of 6 schools I applied to and merit scholarship to 4 of those! These schools were Harvard, Kellogg, Tuck, Darden and Emory. He starts with a Discovery process that in itself is worth the cost. It really helped me think more deeply than I ever had before about who I am, what truly motivates me and what I want to do with my career. Using this a jumping off point he helped me write my absolute best business school essays that were also 100% authentic to who I am (not some version I thought ad coms might want to see). On some occasions, I would think the essay was finished and he would say “this is a good start!”, truly only allowing me to submit my best work. Ultimately, this paid off and my HBS interviewer even remarked on how much she liked my essay at the beginning of my interview. Brian was so so helpful along the whole process and was a great friend on top of that. Could not recommend enough!

I found Sarah in a pretty dark time where I was working with another full package consultant who was not delivering on the agreed terms, I was tanking the GRE, battling major discriminatory legal issues at work, and feeling overall depleted with less than 2 months to apply for R2.

Immediately upon meeting Sarah, her warm energy made me feel seen and offered a sense of emotional safety I did not even realize I needed. The space she held enabled me to re-tap into a renewed sense of reinvigorated inspiration on why I was applying to an MBA, and through her uncanny command of the English language, she began to tease out the best aspects of my background.

I work in an esoteric field in which it can be challenging to find the linguistics to make it ubiquitously relevant to a wide range of individuals. Yet Sarah was always able to translate a garbled 1-minute ramble, into a cogent, specific, and uplifting resume bullet or sentence. Even the mere act of working with her on crafting language allowed me to rebuild a bit of the confidence I had lost and better appreciate all I had to offer.

It can be easy to fall into the trap that working with a consultant who got an MBA or worked on admissions is the best way to go. However, after working with Sarah, I realized to bring your best application forward, you need someone that knows how to translate and tease out the best aspects of your profile to a wide audience. Not many possess that conglomerated skillset as it takes someone who is patient in hearing your story, open minded in receiving your story (without an agenda), and creative in helping you tell and tailor the story (rather than artificially force your story into a template).

Sarah can do all of that so naturally.

The results after working with Sarah for only a month at the tail end of my application process was, I got interview invites to 5 of the 6 programs I applied for (all T15 or above), and admission offers at 4 programs – including two M7s, and 150K in scholarship offers.

I genuinely believe if I had worked with Sarah much earlier in my MBA process, those metrics may have been even higher. Regardless, working with Sarah is an opportunity to re-write your own story and I could not recommend her enough!

Jenn is an expert! As someone with a “non-traditional” background, navigating the MBA application process seemed daunting. However, working with Jenn was foundational in helping me identify and reflect on my unique strengths, providing clear insight into what I could contribute to an MBA program. This ultimately made me feel more confident in the process. I’m excited to share that I’ll be attending Wharton this upcoming fall of 2024! The MBA application journey is full of rejections and acceptances, unexpected twists and turns–a constant process of reflection. The support, wisdom, and opportunity for self-reflection provided by Jenn left me feeling proud and satisfied with my efforts and my application as a whole–regardless of the outcome. Thank you Jenn!

As someone with a “non-traditional” background (ie. films and education), navigating the MBA application process seemed daunting. Angela was foundational in helping me identify and reflect on my unique strengths, providing clear insight into what I could contribute to an MBA program. This ultimately made me feel more confident in the process. I’m excited to share that I’ll be attending Wharton this upcoming fall of 2024! The MBA application journey is full of rejections and acceptances, unexpected twists and turns–a constant process of reflection. The support, wisdom, and opportunity for self-reflection provided by Angela left me feeling proud and satisfied with my efforts and my application as a whole–regardless of the outcome. Thank you!

I had the pleasure of working with Brian on my MBA application and was able to receive acceptance letters from both Wharton (UPenn) and HBS (Harvard)!
I ended up choosing to work with Brian because first, other firms that I’ve talked to felt very much like a factory, where I felt rushed to make a decision to commit to them. Many mentioned fees and deposits before being interested in my motivation behind applying to MBA programs. Secondly, I watched Angela’s YouTube videos and she was so energetic and I loved how she would call out that MBA is not for everyone. From her videos, I could tell that this firm would honestly tell me if this were not the right path, and they would tell me that my essay sucks if it does. Lastly, on the website I found information about how Brian (or any other coaches) will never change your wording, which I really loved. MBA essays are supposed to be an expressive piece of writing that incorporates who I am, but if I sound like an AI/ some mass produced essay, it will not do its job. I felt even more confident committing to Brian and Career Protocol after seeing this.
Throughout the process of working with Brian, he was very responsive and attentive. I loved the discovery process, where we walked through my entire life together and picked out some pivotal moments and lessons. Brian at some point was able to recite my life better than I could because that’s the level of attention to details he has given to my profile, LOVED the sense of deeper connection. He invoked some great questions to extract insights and I think this way of reflecting on my life events is a lifelong skill that I will continue practicing even after MBA applications. In editing the essays, Brian was able to recall any details or comments I have forgotten to edit and he will say that an essay needs more drafts when it does, regardless of how quickly the deadlines are approaching. His level of attention did not regress even after applications were submitted, so he helped me through interview preparations, as well as waitlist process.
I highly recommend 1) to get help with MBA applications to maximize the chances of getting into a program of your dream, and 2) if getting a coach, work with Brian. I enjoyed every single step along my MBA application journey with Brian and happy to have shared the results with him after 9+ months of hard work.

Having Louise by my side through my MBA application journey was a game changer. Applying to business school is no doubt a stressful and emotional process, but my experience with Louise kept me motivated and gave me so much happiness which made the application process so much fun. Louise helped me think deeper to understand my values and how I’ve gotten to where I am in life, and she helped me turn this into an authentic story. The entire Career Protocol team is carefully curated, but Louise has a special talent for story telling which was important for me applying as a private equity candidate. The introspective and deeply personal process was quite therapeutic, and in addition to helping me craft my story for MBA applications, Louise also felt like a career coach. I came out of the process with more clarity about myself and a better understanding of my ‘why’ which will help me in business school, during interviews, and as a professional.

Overall, the experience with Louise was super rewarding. She is genuine, flexible, and caring (quite different than some of the other daunting and transactional consultants I dilligenced). Excited to transfer all of the story telling skills I gained when I attend Wharton!