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Number Of Expert Admissions Coaches: 24
Total Reviews: 1854 | 5 Star Reviews: 1846 | 4 Star Reviews: 6 | 1 Star Reviews: 2
Firm Website: https://www.mbamission.com/consult-pq/
mbaMission is the world’s leading MBA admissions consulting firm and the only one exclusively recommended by Manhattan Prep and Kaplan GMAT. Our dedicated, full-time Senior Consultants work one-on-one with business school candidates to identify and showcase their strongest attributes in their applications.
When applying to an elite MBA program, you need elite experience on your side. mbaMission’s full-time consultants are highly skilled communicators with comprehensive knowledge of the MBA admissions process, and helping you navigate that process to your fullest potential is our sole priority. You can be confident of having our undivided attention, because admissions consulting is our exclusive focus. In pursuing your MBA, you are making an important investment in yourself, so choose a firm whose singular objective is helping you achieve your goals.
Our full-time team includes MBAs from all the top programs. Although you work exclusively with one dedicated consultant at mbaMission, you benefit from the experience and input of our entire team. Our consultants intercommunicate constantly, sharing information, ideas, feedback, and recommendations. We also conduct semimonthly meetings, require ongoing training, and hold an annual full-company conference, where we gather to discuss best practices and continue improving our skills and knowledge base. More than 20 full-time admissions experts combine their know-how and experience to advance your cause. We know that our being at the top of our game means you have the greatest chance of success, and together, our team will find the best ways to strengthen your application.
I was admitted into one of my dream schools and I would not have been able to gain admission to an M7 program without John. I purchased a start-to-finish package with John and he was with me every step of the way – proving to be an instrumental part of my journey. As a first time MBA applicant, having John walk me through the process from start to finish was extremely valuable.
One of my favorite things about John was his positive outlook and attitude. The MBA application process can be quite a daunting task and it is easy to fall into a cycle of doubt. Having someone like John, who both inspired and motivated me, ensured my outlook remained positive. He not only reminded me to have fun and enjoy the journey, but also encouraged me to put my best foot forward, especially with regards to my essays.
Despite working with very little time to get my applications in for R1, John went through many iterations of my resume and essay reviews to ensure I had the best application possible. He was very patient and addressed every single one of my questions in detail. Not only is John very knowledgeable regarding what schools are looking for in a candidate, he also took the time to understand who I was as a person. John helped to detail my life experiences – using the process to curate and inspire essays unique to my specific journey. Even when John experienced a family emergency, he continued to work with me to ensure my applications were pristine and did not miss any deadlines. John is truly invested in the individual success of his clients.
My experience with John was AMAZING and I would highly recommend him to anyone who is looking for a great consultant!
I’m not exaggerating when I say that working with Melissa changed my life! Melissa’s guidance, effort, and support throughout the MBA application process got me into Wharton, which was one of my dream schools and seemed like an immense reach. Melissa helped me to craft such impactful applications that after applying to ten full-time programs, I was invited to interview at nine of them, and was ultimately accepted to eight (three of which were M7s).
What impressed me the most while working with Melissa was how she was able to take a standard draft of my essay and help me craft it into a remarkable story. Comparing my first drafts to their final versions is truly night and day, and I wouldn’t have been able to write them so effectively if it wasn’t for Melissa. I even received feedback from an admissions officer that my personal essay was one of the most memorable stories she’d read in the past few years. Melissa really understands what the admissions teams are looking for at every school, which is so crucial in a consultant!
On top of her skills in tailoring an application to a specific program, Melissa is also unbelievably attentive. I expected this relationship to be very high-level since Melissa has many clients to tend to throughout the application cycle, but the amount of effort she put into getting to know me and my goals was astonishing. She really does care so much about every one of her clients!
Finally, and perhaps most importantly, Melissa is incredibly reliable during the entire process – from the brainstorming period through the final decision. She always provided feedback on documents quicker than expected, she helped set deadlines to keep me on track, she vetted all of my letters of rec and coordinated directly with the writers, she gladly responded to any question I threw her way (and there were so many of them), and she gave honest guidance regarding any school that I asked her about. Given that none of my friends or family members had gone through the MBA application process before, I simply don’t know what I would’ve done without her.
It’s only been a few weeks since I wrapped everything up with Melissa, but I already have two friends that have signed with her for this upcoming application cycle. I can’t stress enough how integral Melissa was to my success – I simply wouldn’t be where I am today without her! She’s gone from being my consultant to being my friend, and I’m excited to gush over my Wharton experience with her these next two years!
I had am amazing experience working with Nisha throughout the MBA application process. We first spoke a month before the R2 deadline for the Fall 2023 application cycle, and during this we decided that I did not have enough time to submit a strong application for my top programs. Fast forward to summer 2023, Nisha and I reconnected and began working together for the Fall 2024 R2 deadline. She is incredibly patient, kind, accommodating and compassionate. She pushed me to discover what my true goals were and helped me craft a narrative to best showcase them. She is tapped into exactly what business schools are looking for and is able to expertly guide clients. I am so thankful to have been connected to Nisha, with her help I got into my two top schools – Wharton and Booth! For anyone considering a consultant, Nisha is the one to work with. She goes above and beyond to answer emails, provide feedback and schedule catch up calls. She’s incredibly prompt with her responses which was crucial in the weeks leading up to deadlines. She also helped keep me on track with the essay writing timeline which was immensely helpful. This is the only review you need to read if debating between working with a consultant or not – definitely work with a consultant to maximize your ROI and when choosing your consultant, work with Nisha!
Thank you, Nisha!
After trying to work on my application processes by myself and with non-professional resources, I decided to work with Harshad hoping the investment would be worth it. My expectations were exceeded, as the whole MBAMission structure provides so much clarity and working with Harshad was in the perfect point between personal engagement and professionalism. I am very grateful with him for the support and would highly recommend him, it is worth your while.
Susan has been instrumental in my MBA journey and helped me land admissions into top schools. Initially, the admissions process felt daunting, but Susan was always there to provide words of wisdom and calm my nerves. She helped connect the dots across my experiences and personal interests to draft a compelling narrative. Her initial brainstorming sessions were incredibly helpful as she sought to get to know me on a deeper level. She truly is a gifted storyteller! Susan was super flexible when I fluctuated between schools and ensured I had all the materials provided for a strong application. Despite some of my last-minute edits, she was very responsive. I loved my interview prep with Susan as I felt that it was extremely thorough, and a lot of the questions were also asked during my actual interview.
Harshad is a joy to work with. I applied only to MS/MBA programs and, given his engineering background, he was really able to identify how I could better frame the work I did as an engineer in ways the admissions committees would understand. Beyond that, I really appreciated his directness during our conversations. He has a fantastic sense of what parts of my story, background, and future interests the schools want to hear about as well as how to give feedback that elicits that in my writing. He was always willing to point out when he didn’t think an essay came across well enough and explained his reasoning clearly. I think his willingness to have conversations like these took my essays to the next level and pushed me to write more compellingly. He was also very quick to reply and provide feedback! Overall, Harshad was great both as a consultant and as a person to ask for advice and guidance. I’m very happy with the results and can say that the investment was worth it. I ended up getting into CBS, MIT, and Berkeley with his help.
Devi Vallabhaneni is unparalleled in her field, and I cannot recommend her highly enough for her exceptional guidance during my Harvard Business School interview prep. Devi’s in-depth understanding of the HBS interview process (as a former HBS interviewer and admissions board member) and her ability to customize her approach to my specific background were key to my admission to HBS and Stanford. Her precise advice and one-on-one coaching not only refined my interview skills but also enabled me to present my story with authenticity and impact. I signed up for 5 mock interview sessions with Devi, and every moment of preparation with her was incredibly valuable.
From the outset, it was clear that Devi had spent several hours reviewing my application based on the specific, probing questions that she asked during my first interview. She made sure to leave no stone unturned and ensured that we addressed every aspect of my application. Furthermore, Devi’s direct, no-nonsense feedback on my interview responses, as well as her strategic tips on how to frame my answers, were invaluable. She pushed me to think critically about my experiences and draw meaningful connections that highlighted my fit with HBS. Devi’s insights into the types of questions I might face and her strategies for structuring my responses allowed me to enter the interview with confidence, and many of the questions in my actual interview were verbatim or very similar to the questions I practiced during our sessions.
In summary, Devi’s expertise in HBS interview preparation is unmatched. For those serious about gaining admission to their dream school, working with Devi is an essential step. You won’t regret it!
Simply put, Katy is the gold standard in MBA consulting!
She was an invaluable resource throughout my MBA application journey, and I owe my admission to both Harvard and Stanford to her expertise. Having been waitlisted at both schools the previous year, I was eager to improve my application with Katy’s help.
What stood out most about Katy was her tailored approach and deep understanding of the admissions process for both HBS and Stanford. She carefully analyzed my previous application and immediately identified areas for improvement, offering specific, targeted advice to enhance my candidacy. Katy’s guidance on how to craft compelling and cohesive essays was particularly impactful. She helped me draw on my unique experiences to tell a story that highlighted my strengths and fit with each school’s culture. Her attention to detail and thoughtful critique ensured that my essays were polished and authentic.
During our mock interview sessions, Katy’s insights into potential questions and her strategic tips on framing responses were game-changing. She pushed me to think critically about my experiences and present my story with clarity and confidence. The feedback she provided was direct and actionable, helping me navigate the interviews with ease.
On a personal note, working with Katy has been a truly wonderful experience. She is not only knowledgeable and professional, but also incredibly warm and caring. She goes above and beyond to support her clients, and I’ve been fortunate to build a strong personal connection with her. She provided unwavering confidence and encouragement in every email and conversation, helping me stay accountable and motivated throughout the often lengthy and stressful application process. If you have the opportunity to work with Katy, consider yourself lucky – you’ll be in exceptional hands!
In summary, Katy’s guidance played a pivotal role in my successful admission to both HBS and Stanford this year. Her knowledge, attention to detail, and personalized approach set her apart, and I would highly recommend her to anyone serious about achieving their MBA dreams.
Thank you, Katy!
Choosing Gavi as my MBA application consultant was one of the best decisions I made during my business school application process. Right from the start, Gavi was incredibly helpful, offering insights and guidance that were both challenging and enlightening.
Working with Gavi involved a deep dive into self-discovery through her structured “discovery questions.” This exercise was more than just form-filling; it was an introspective journey that allowed me to understand myself better and clearly define my career goals and aspirations. This initial phase set a strong foundation for the rest of my application.
Gavi’s availability and responsiveness were remarkable. No matter when I reached out with doubts or required feedback, she was always prompt, generally replying to my emails within 30 minutes. This responsiveness made the stressful application process much smoother and less daunting.
Her approach to crafting my story was nothing short of creative. Gavi encouraged me to think outside the box and find unique angles to my narrative, making my application stand out. She was supportive and collaborative, always ensuring she was alongside me, guiding me rather than dictating what to do.
The interview preparation was another area where Gavi excelled. Her coaching was spot-on, equipping me with the confidence and readiness to tackle even the toughest questions. The mock interviews we conducted were critical in honing my delivery and demeanor, which proved invaluable during the actual interviews.
Towards the conclusion of the application process, Gavi’s support extended beyond just securing admissions. She adeptly assisted me in negotiating with schools, which ultimately led to me securing a merit-based scholarship at Kellogg. This was a significant achievement for me and I credit a large part of this success to Gavi’s expert advice and negotiation tactics.
In summary, Gavi isn’t just an advisor; she’s a mentor and a strategist, the kind who will ensure you put your best foot forward. I wholeheartedly recommend her to anyone looking for not just a consultant, but a true partner in navigating the competitive waters of MBA admissions. With Gavi’s help, I felt prepared, supported, and confident throughout my journey. Thank you, Gavi, for being awesome!
I was accepted to both Wharton and Columbia Business School, a testament to the invaluable assistance provided by Gavriella. Coming from an international background, this was my first application to a U.S. school. Gavriella was always available to answer any questions about the process with patience and clarity. Working with her was a genuinely rewarding experience. She maintained utmost professionalism throughout the process and was consistently prompt and attentive to all inquiries. Gavriella excels at expertly highlighting the unique aspects of personal stories and possesses a deep understanding of what universities are looking for in candidates. She effectively bolsters confidence in one’s background and abilities. Based on my personal experience, I highly recommend working with her for any MBA application.
I had the pleasure of working with Heidi during my MBA application process, and I can confidently say it was an enjoyable experience. From start to finish, the process was seamless thanks to Heidi’s exceptional organization skills. Her ability to break down tasks and help me set achievable goals alleviated much of the stress associated with applying to MBA programs.
Heidi’s support throughout the process was invaluable. Despite the inherent stress of applying to top-tier schools, I felt reassured knowing that she was always available to offer guidance and assistance. Her thoughtful approach and willingness to go above and beyond ensured that I never felt overwhelmed or alone.
In terms of helpfulness, Heidi exceeded my expectations. While I initially had a clear idea of what I wanted to convey in my essays, Heidi encouraged me to delve deeper into my life experiences and goals. Through our collaboration, I found myself revisiting and refining my narrative in ways I hadn’t anticipated. In the end, my essay practically wrote itself, and I owe much of that success to Heidi’s expertise and support.
And the ultimate outcome speaks volumes: I was accepted into Stanford! Heidi’s guidance undoubtedly played a significant role in this achievement, and I couldn’t be more grateful. Without hesitation, I would wholeheartedly recommend Heidi to anyone embarking on their MBA journey. Her combination of kindness, intelligence, and insight creates a supportive environment where applicants can thrive and succeed.
Harold’s expertise and support were indispensable from start to finish of my MBA journey. His practical guidance and consistent reassurance made the daunting application process manageable and ultimately successful. Despite my below-average GPA, Harold’s strategic insights led to my acceptance at Dartmouth Tuck and Chicago Booth, with significant scholarships, and admittance to another T10 school.
The process began with strategizing for the GMAT and upgrading my resume. Harold advised me on the best timing for the exam and identified a score range appropriate for my target schools. His high-level tips were crucial in achieving my desired score within three months. Simultaneously, Harold facilitated an extensive brainstorming process to unearth and polish stories and accomplishments that would resonate in my essays and interviews. His keen eye for detail and deep understanding of what top business schools look for in candidates enabled me to select the most compelling content for my applications.
As we tackled each school’s application, Harold’s meticulous feedback on my essays was particularly impactful. He helped refine my narratives to ensure clarity and purpose, aligning them closely with each school’s values and expectations. His ability to tailor content to specific schools was remarkable, allowing me to present myself authentically and persuasively.
During the application process, Harold also provided strategic advice on which schools to visit, and which events to attend. He provided me with special contacts at some of the schools that I could reach out to for the particular industry that I was interested in. This not only enhanced my applications but also broadened my understanding of the MBA landscape.
Interview preparations with Harold were thorough, covering frequently asked questions and refining my responses to reflect each school’s unique characteristics. His support was crucial in building my confidence and enabling me to handle the toughest questions smoothly, without sounding rehearsed.
After receiving multiple admissions offers, Harold guided me through the scholarship negotiation process, helping me leverage offers effectively to maximize my financial aid. For the schools where I was waitlisted, Harold advised me on additional information to submit and how to communicate effectively with admissions committees, further strengthening my standing.
Harold’s professionalism and expertise were matched by his personal dedication and optimism. Throughout this challenging journey, his positive attitude and personalized approach not only bolstered my applications but also kept me motivated and focused. His guidance was a major factor in my successful MBA admissions outcomes, and I am grateful for his involvement.
For anyone navigating the complexities of MBA applications, I wholeheartedly recommend Harold as a knowledgeable, strategic, and supportive teammate who will go above and beyond to ensure your success. His combination of professional acumen and personal commitment makes him an outstanding guide for any prospective MBA student.
I had a fabulous experience working with Melissa. Her biggest strength is how incredibly engaged she is throughout the application process. During my journey, this meant she helped me understand the strengths of different schools, asked thoughtful questions while brainstorming my essay topics, had an impressively quick turnaround time on edits and questions, kindly kept me on track to my deadlines, and followed up after interviews to hear how they went. The best part of working with Melissa was how thoughtfully she got to know me as a person and how loud of a cheerleader she was throughout my process. Applying to grad school can cause a lot of stress and uncertainty, but Melissa’s confidence and encouragement guided me through the most difficult times of applying. My admissions results are a testament to her skill. I’m deeply grateful for her partnership and will miss our calls while I’m attending HBS this fall!
Working with Nisha throughout the whole process made MBA applications feel less daunting. I’m a nontraditional candidate and knew that I needing a guiding hand throughout this process. I worked with Nisha to apply to 2 schools, as well as the base application for Consortium. She really took the time to get to know me, and teased out aspects of my story that I would not have otherwise chosen to emphasize. I found her feedback to be firm (extremely helpful when second-guessing every aspect of an application!) yet remarkably kind. And she was extremely available over email for every small, nit-picking question that I wanted to think through together.
Susan was a great consultant. I did the 30min free session with her at the start which helped me understand how many and which universities I should target. After purchasing the hourly sessions, Susan shared a lot of valuable resources she had prepared to help with the essay writing process. She was very efficient with her time, and I got through the majority of essays I needed to with the hours I purchased. In addition, she had a quick response time, enabling me to meet all my deadlines. Her experience shows, and helped my craft a unique story to stand out as a candidate. In addition, she provided great resources so I could prep for the interviews and was easily reachable by mail. In the end, I got accepted into my target school with an entrance award!
Devi is a must for anyone serious about getting an MBA. I got Devi’s all-inclusive package and it was worth every cent. I went into the application process without much time or knowledge of how to tackle everything (and there’s a lot to do!) — with Devi, I felt completely reassured that I was covering ALL my grounds efficiently and creating the best possible product. At the very start, through brainstorming sessions, Devi was able to weave together and inspire me to bring out my most compelling story. Additionally, while I would think of my own ways to answer certain prompts, Devi would provide brilliant ideas that I had never thought of and that immediately improved my narrative. Her reviews pushed me to create a product that was the best possible version of itself. Also, as you’ve probably read in her other reviews, Devi’s interview support is second to none — my one hour mock with Devi was the best one hour spent in improving my interview prep and covered nearly everything that actually happened in the interview. It also made me feel way less nervous about the real interview. Finally, outside of the consulting, Devi’s an incredible human being who’s super down to earth and cares about the people she chooses to work with. Go with Devi!
I found Debbie when I was panicking in mid-Oct about R2 applications. At that time, I had a subpar GMAT and not even a draft school list. I had free consultations with a bunch of firms small and large, but I felt the most confident coming out of the conversation with Debbie. In our free consultation, she gave very practical and useful feedback. She suggested what schools I can consider based on my career goals and preferences. Some schools were ones that never crossed my mind beforehand. I appreciate how she left options open depending on my upcoming GMAT retake while other consultants didn’t think I could make it which discouraged me further in this stressful moment. Don’t be mistaken, Debbie doesn’t give you false hopes.
I also appreciate Debbie’s attitude towards potential clients. She never pushed me to purchase services and offered to recommend lower-priced consultants on her team. She reminded me about mbaMission’s service contract period, so if I wasn’t going to apply for MBA this year don’t bother starting a package yet. In all my free consultations, I asked how many schools clients typically buy for comprehensive packages. Debbie said 2-3 which I felt is an honest answer (rather than pressuring you to pay more) because you can reuse a lot of the content and learnings between schools. There are plenty of consultants out there who tell you to buy as many schools as you’re applying to. Due to the timing of the year, Debbie was also very practical in telling me what’s the max number of schools I should realistically apply to, and I decided to purchase a package less than that number.
I spoke with Debbie almost every week from Nov to Mar whether it’s back and forth updates to essays, questions from me about the process, and other status updates. The cadence came naturally because there’s just that much going on! I like mbaMission’s essay turnaround time cutoff, because that schedule pushed me to send essays over at a regular schedule in order to be the most efficient with revisions. It helps us both be accountable rather than other firms that just reply “as they get to it” which can be much longer the closer we get to deadlines. Debbie generally responds quickly to non-essay emails, 1-2 day response rate. She’ll let you know in advance when she’s taking off and how that’ll affect the response time.
Debbie is great at decluttering my thoughts and pulling out pieces that are actually relevant to essays and interviews. She will tell you straight up if certain ideas send the wrong message or are incohesive with the rest of your story. This is the harsh criticism I needed. Of course, feel free to push back since this is your application, but Debbie will work with you to find a middle ground. She’s knowledgeable about what the schools prefer and what works in applications, but also understand she can’t know every single itty-bitty detail. You still have to do your homework!
Coming out of this process, I’m glad I found Debbie to guide me. I’m not the type who’s thought about getting an MBA for years and my network doesn’t have any MBAs. The idea only came to me over the summer, so I had a lotto catch up on in a short period of time. She really gave me the confidence to push through and get admits to two M7s and two T10s which I doubt I could’ve made it without her. I chose Debbie due to her personality (also happy to support Asian women) because we would work very closely together during this period. That helped me feel comfortable asking her weirder questions relating to applications. Thank you again Debbie for your patience in responding to my long emails and addressing my boatload of comments in each essay.
When I decided to apply for an MBA program from my job in consulting, I knew I was facing challenges as a young applicant with limited work experience (having worked at a single company since graduating from undergrad). However, I believed in my story and had confidence in my background, so I chose to work with Julie-Anne. It turned out to be the best decision I made throughout the entire process.
As someone who has always been more comfortable with numbers than with essays, I found the application process daunting. However, Julie-Anne’s expertise and guidance were evident at every step. She consistently pushed me to bring out my best in every aspect of my work, from crafting compelling essays to preparing for interviews. Her level of skill and knowledge exceeded my expectations. Despite what I initially saw as insurmountable barriers, Julie-Anne’s approach and unwavering dedication helped me secure admission to all three schools I applied to. Moreover, the introspective nature of the process and Julie-Anne’s incredible mentorship allowed me to learn a great deal about myself along the way. I truly believe that no one else could have achieved the same remarkable results as she did with me.
Julie-Anne sets high expectations and will push you to reach your full potential. Her meticulous attention to detail played a pivotal role in my successful MBA admissions journey. For the first time, I feel that my essays and writing are truly exceptional. I wholeheartedly recommend Julie-Anne to anyone considering the MBA application process.
In June 2023, I had the pleasure of speaking with Melissa Blakeslee from MBA Mission, among over ten other consultants. Melissa stood out immediately due to her genuine interest and insightful feedback on my MBA application strategy. Unlike others, she invested time to understand my unique background and aspirations, which made our interaction feel less like a transaction and more like a partnership aimed at my success. Her expertise was invaluable in selecting schools. We targeted three ambitious programs, and I was thrilled to receive admission offers with scholarships from two of them. Melissa’s quick and actionable feedback throughout the application process was crucial, especially given our tight timeline. Even when I decided to add another school to my package last minute, Melissa welcomed the challenge without hesitation. Impressively, she was even responsive during her Christmas vacation, underscoring her dedication to my success. Post-admission, Melissa has been instrumental in helping me decide which offer to accept. Her ongoing guidance has been a beacon through this significant life decision. I wholeheartedly recommend Melissa to anyone seeking a deeply committed and effective MBA admissions consultant. If you’re looking for someone who will truly care about your journey and outcomes, sign up with Melissa Blakeslee — you won’t regret it!
When I first began my graduate school journey, I didn’t quite know what an MBA consultant was and began tackling applications on my own. I quickly realized that I had underestimated the degree to which grad school applications needed to be designed/tailored to tell a cohesive and all-encompassing story. As someone who was pursuing a dual degree and about to move to Australia from New York City for a professional rotation, I felt overwhelmed by all that had to be done and the standard that needed to be met.
Before moving from the US abroad, I had a 30-minute consultation with Katy, who immediately impressed me with her knowledge of the different graduate school programs (beyond MBAs), practicality and confidence in the guidance she provided, and her ability to be candid with me straight off the bat. I requested her support immediately and have never once regretted it.
Living in a new country, you naturally want to spend as little time at home on the weekends, although hard work and dedication are what graduate school applications demand. Katy helped me save tons of time on the 10 applications I submitted to MBA, MPP, and MAIR programs. Not only did she turn around essays, resumes, etc. incredibly quickly, but she also provided candid feedback on the content, made direct edits, and ensured I was telling my story in the most effective/strategic way possible by making the most of every section of the application. Katy was also receptive to my schedule, as I had to complete and submit 10 applications in 2 months (from mid-October to mid-December) due to work and personal travel commitments surrounding that time frame. From the beginning of the process through to the weeks following decisions, Katy was super open and excited about hopping on the phone, even for 15 minutes, to chat through my decision-making process and answer any questions I had top-of-mind. Even then, she remained straight-forward in her guidance and gave me her genuine opinion, rather than simply laying out the pros and cons.
I purchased the 3-school package with Katy for HBS, HKS, and Wharton. Of the 10 programs I applied to, I was accepted to 7 – MBA (UPenn Wharton, UChicago Booth, MIT Sloan, Dartmouth Tuck); Master of Public Policy/MPP (Harvard Kennedy/HKS, UChicago Harris); Master of Arts in International Relations/MAIR (Johns Hopkins SAIS Europe). I will be pursuing a joint MBA/MPP degree starting this fall – an MBA from Wharton and MPP from HKS.
I am steadfast in my belief that I would not have reached the same outcomes if it weren’t for Katy. I could not be happier with my decision and our partnership, and would recommend her to anyone considering additional support throughout the process. It’ll be more than worth it – thank you Katy!!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Booth Class of 2026
Kate was an absolute rockstar in helping me along my MBA journey. Coming into my time with Kate, I had two large hurdles to overcome– 1) I decided to apply about 3 months before the deadline with no GMAT score or prep work done and 2) I was a nontraditional applicant who needed to translate a decade of experience for AdCom. My experience with Kate was 10/10. I want to highlight her strategy support, thoroughness, and timeliness.
Strategy– Kate supported me in what schools to apply to and which would be a good fit but helped me craft a narrative supporting my journey. Her insights were invaluable in highlighting my strengths and recognizing my weaknesses.
Thoroughness- Kate was a wizard with the red pen! I learned a ton from how she framed things and helped me get straight to the point.
Timeliness- Kate worked with me on a tight deadline while studying for the GMAT and going through some big work transitions. She was clear with her upcoming vacation and we planned around these.
Lastly, I appreciated how Kate never “told” me what to do. She provided thoughtful questions and forced me to think and decide for myself. I’m excited we’ll share an alma mater as I head to the University of Chicago this fall!
It was an absolute pleasure working with Gavriella and I honestly could not have had the same success without her guidance. She was extremely attentive and always quick to respond, which became extremely important as school deadlines approached. Gavriella helped me bring out the best in myself through my essays and resume, two things that undoubtedly helped me get into my top school choice with scholarship. I highly encourage utilizing her services no matter what stage you are at in your business school journey – you will not regret it.
Katy is the key to a successful and positive MBA application process. I found a friend and mentor in Katy — I came out of every one of our conversations with insight and food for thought that was pivotal not only in my application process but also in my personal and professional development. Katy is one of the most patient and generous people I’ve met – she will give you as much time as she has no matter how often you need to talk, or how many times you need to talk through the same subject. She is honest and won’t be afraid to tell you the truth but is also incredibly compassionate in her delivery. Katy has incredible insight on the MBA process, schools, and overall knowledge of industries. I was consistently impressed at how much Katy knew about different topics and how well she was able to help me pivot to make my story more and more robust and creative.
With Katy, I was able to achieve admission to one of my top schools. With the work we did together, I used that writing for my four additional applications where I was admitted to each one with scholarships up to 140k.
Without Katy, I would not have known where to start in crafting my story and knowing how to write properly for an MBA application. I am so thankful for the opportunity to work with her. Consider yourself lucky if you are able to snag a spot working with Katy!
As a reapplicant, Devi showed me how powerful an MBA application can be if properly infused with introspection and creativity. I would not have been admitted to MIT Sloan without her.
Originally, I partnered with Devi on a single-session reapplicant review, seeking feedback on what I could do better in my second year applying that I missed in the first. I liked that Devi was direct and sharply insightful in her feedback, focusing on a distinct lack of personal depth in my prior application and how I could bring “more of myself” to the table in year two. I left that conversation so inspired by her rigorous review I opted for the full package with Devi immediately – the best investment I’ve made in years.
Throughout our partnership, Devi’s ability to pull on my personal experiences and suggest ways to develop them into meaningful narratives shined through. Through multiple brainstorming sessions she challenged me to dig deeper than I ever would have on my own, then showed me how to eloquently leverage those experiences both in essays and interviews.
mbaMission offers a variety of service package. I chose the hourly service which allowed me to use the time flexibly and wisely. I applied to Stanford MSx program and got admitted. I picked Debbie after I read others’ review and her own video which largely aligns with what I want from a consultant: have experience with Stanford GSB admission and a Stanford GSB alumni is a bonus, easy to communicate, give specific comments (rather than high-level conceptual comments) which where very easy to take action on. Debbie also gave a lot useful tips and strategic comments which allowed me to be more focus on the most important things. She was also very professional and strictly followed the turnaround time. The entire process is very efficient and effective. I really enjoyed it. I highly recommend Debbie to anyone who wants someone to understand you and help you build your story and make it a compelling application.
I started my process at mbaMission with a 30-minute free consultation with the next available consultant, and was intrigued enough that I decided I would definitely be using the service to guide me through my MBA applications.
Once I got the score I wanted on the GMAT (710), I read through all the consultant bios and quickly knew Kim would be the right person for me. I ultimately chose her because I was a D1 college athlete (so was Kim!) and my professional background is in advertising/marketing, which is where Kim spent most of her career prior to doing MBA admissions and consulting work. I decided to do the hourly services rather than the school package when working with Kim, which turned out to be perfect for my needs.
Kim is extremely empathetic, kind, and positive. Her warm personality made the stress and tediousness of MBA applications and interview prep easier to handle. When working with Kim, I almost felt like I was working with a mentor trying to help me succeed, rather than someone I had hired. I decided to apply to 1 reach school (HBS), 3 target schools (Ross, Fuqua, and Darden) and 2 safeties (Kenan-Flagler and McDonough). I had pretty much decided on these by the time I started working with Kim, but I wish I had asked for her input on other schools to apply to or widening my net beyond 6 schools. She was honest with me about what would be a stretch vs doable vs very doable, which I appreciated!
Kim mainly helped me with brainstorming/editing my essays, certain short-answer application questions, recommender prep, interview guidance, and negotiating for additional scholarship money once I got admitted. She is an excellent editor and I felt she made a big impact for me on that part of the process. We would sometimes go over teh edits in Zoom calls (per my request) or just via email/track changes on Microsoft Word. mbaMission provides lots of resources throughout the process that Kim made sure to provide me with – such as interview guides specific to each school – but Kim also went above and beyond by sharing her own school-specifc interview guides based on feedback she had gotten from her own clients over the years. These made the interview process 10x more manageable.
I ended up getting rejected from HBS without an interview, and I think that was mainly due to factors outside of Kim’s advice or control, such my lack of work experience and my recommender choice (due to particular circumstances I wasn’t able to get a current or former manager to do my recommendation). I got interviews, offers of admission and scholarships from all 5 other schools. The lowest amount of scholarship I got was 50% of tuition, and I even got a full-ride scholarship to one of the schools I applied to. I attribute a lot of this success to Kim’s help. Kim also helped me negotiate even more scholarship money at one of my target schools, which I ultimately chose.
Overall, Kim was a fantastic partner, and I would choose her again if I was going through the process all over again. I genuinely hope I stay in touch with her professionally!
I had the privilege of working with Nisha on two applications, and was admitted to both programs with funding support. Initially, I thought I had a fairly good sense of the programs I was interested in and what I wanted out of them. My plan was to review the available guides and apply on my own. Given the high cost of MBA programs (both financial and commitment!), I decided working with a consultant would be a small investment to ensure I was targeting the best fit programs and putting forth my best application. I am so glad I did and found Nisha! She was very approachable, responsive, and offered great questions and feedback throughout the whole process. She was also a wonderful thought partner on several key decisions – offering considerations that I had not thought of so I could be sure I was making the best possible decision in short turnaround times. Besides the applications, I am confident the insights, self-discoveries, and articulation skills I gained from working with Nisha will help me in school and beyond as well! I will wholeheartedly work with Nisha again if I had the chance.
I would HIGHLY recommend Gavriella if you are exploring MBA consultant packages. Overall, Gavriella was supportive, encouraging, and really helped me best market myself to each school. Not only did I find value in her advice, brainstorming, and editing skills, but having a guide who reassured me along the way and was realistic about my application gave me a great source of comfort in a very stressful process.
The rest of my review contains factors that went into my decision to work with her (or a consultant in general) that would have helped me when I was considering.
Deciding to work with a consultant was a huge decision for me and serious financial investment in the MBA process ahead of the actual investment of tuition. I found Gavriella through the MBAmission website after looking through profiles of consultants and her expertise seemed more applicable to my background.
I got immense value from my consolation with Gavriella and appreciated her sincerity in using it to help me rather than sell me on a package. I planned to apply to 4-6 schools when I began conversations with her and was deciding between an hourly package and the different schools packages. Frankly it was a tough decision but ultimately I went with the 3 school package because I was getting deep into the application process and still trying to get my goal score. Having the full package allowed me to spend time studying rather than researching and rely on Gavriella to help fill in my gaps of knowledge on the process.
Another factor that led me to justify the investment was the potential scholarship package that would recoup the funds if my application was as strong as possible. There’s no guarantee of anyone getting scholarships, but in my case I received 50% off tuition from one of my top 2 schools and Duke, where I will be matriculating, matched the offer – I’d say it was well worth it!
Julie-Anne was incredibly supportive in helping me craft a compelling application for business schools. Having lived in multiple countries and worked across various industries, I was initially uncertain about which experiences to highlight and how to structure my application. Julie-Anne guided me through brainstorming and organizing my application package, offering insights on which experiences to emphasize and suggesting ways to enhance my profile, such as taking additional coursework. She diligently provided detailed answers to all my questions, even consulting her colleagues on topics she was less familiar with. Her feedback was prompt and thoroughly detailed, offering specific improvements and suggestions.
Kate was an unbelievably exceptional consultant. One of my biggest concerns with the process was balancing work and the applications, but Kate made sure I was completely on top of all of my deadlines, regularly checked in, and ensured I was always on track. As someone who very often gets stressed and anxious, Kate promptly provided extremely sound and logical advice to all of my questions (which I had a million of) and even emotional support. She was exactly the type of calming influence I needed. She always made me feel my concerns were legitimate and valued, was always available, and always willing to chat. She has exceptional understanding on the schools as well and gave me advice on how best to approach each school, talking through with me and pulling out the strengths I had. I ended up being accepted to both the HSWs I worked with her on. I cannot speak highly enough of Kate and I would very very strongly recommend her.
Kim was an instrumental piece in the MBA admissions process for me, and I thoroughly enjoyed my experience working with her. As someone with little knowledge about the MBA admissions process, I had a huge variety of questions about schools, essays, tests, and more that Kim was able to answer in a timely and clear manner.
With a wealth of knowledge about schools and applications, Kim helped me from start to finish. She walked me through building my list of schools, understanding my priority of those schools, managing my time while working on applications, and handling acceptances as they came in.
Kim met with me regularly and always responded quickly over email when I had questions, always providing helpful information that often went beyond what I had initially thought to ask about. One example that stands out was around my test scores. While I wasn’t particularly happy with my GMAT score, Kim introduced the idea of taking the Executive Assessment, which I ultimately performed better on. This not only allowed me to feel better about my candidacy, but also opened the door for more schools that accepted the EA in lieu of the GMAT, and I truly do not think I would have had the options I did without her guidance here.
Outside the tangible parts of the admissions process, Kim was a pleasure to work with. I truly felt she understood my career goals and personality, which made it a joy to meet with her regularly. I am so grateful for Kim’s guidance, insights, and kindness throughout the process, and I would highly recommend working with Kim and mbaMission!
As a nontraditional applicant, applying to business school was a bit intimidating. When I first met with Harshad, I could tell right away that I wanted to work with him. He is skilled at and passionate about crafting a story that speaks to your unique strengths and is compelling to admissions committees. He is also very quick to respond to emails and often provides detailed and thoughtful feedback on the same day. With his guidance, I went from being lost and confused to getting into great schools!
If you are applying to business school, do yourself a favor: work with Harshad!
I’m an Asian male applicant with average to below-average GMAT score for HSW (was worried about this). I am also extremely picky (spoke to ~10 consultants before going with Gavriella based on strong recommendation from friend at HBS who had worked with her). My personality is also the highly proactive and detail-oriented type, so it was important that I worked with someone who is highly communicative/responsive as well and wouldn’t make me feel like I’m being too demanding when I’m asking questions that I feel are necessary for me to know to feel confident in our process.
Gavriella was the perfect consultant for me. Three things I’d like to highlight. (1) She was very practical and always gave it to me straight. I’m the type to want the honest truth. I’d want to know my chances at a certain school so I don’t waste resources. I’d also want to know how bad or good my essay draft is so I can revamp efficiently. (2) She is an impressive writer and storyteller. My HBS friend mentioned this as the main reason she had liked Gavriella and I can confirm this. (3) She is highly communicative. This was important to me as mentioned above. She’d also always make time for me for Zoom calls on the day of. She certainly made me feel like I was one of 1-3 clients when she probably did have more because she’s so highly demanded. I do know she makes sure to take less than she can take on so she can dedicate herself fully to her clients. (4) I know I said 3 things but one more…she passed the vibe check…! You spend so much time with your consultant especially if you do an all-in package so I think it’s so important you work with someone pleasant and with whom you’d, for example, grab dinner with. 4 months after my Wharton acceptance, I still think about how fun it’d be to treat Gavriella and her beautiful kids for a dinner (or Toys r Us) with the merit-based scholarship money she helped me earn. Unfortunately we do not live in the same city 🙂
I told her BEFORE the results came out that the ROI on my investment had already checked out, largely because her process helped me better understand what I want to do professionally and find confidence.
I strongly recommend Gavriella. If you’re on the fence and would like to speak with me directly about my experience, please feel free to reach out to Gavriella and we can discuss setting something up.
I was referred to Devi after a couple of friends worked with her in previous admissions cycles and got into top programs like HBS and GSB. There is so much magic in what Devi does, but her real superpower is her ability to (gently) push her applicant to think 5 layers beneath the surface. “What was my motivation for doing X?” “How did doing Y make me feel?” It was in these moments that I was able to get a clearer picture of the person I am and my motivations for going to business school. Without this guidance, I don’t think I would have ever found myself at my dream business school. Devi, thank you so much for all the support you showed me over the past year, I am eternally grateful.
With Debbie’s help, I was accepted into 5 top MBA programs (including 4 M7s) all with scholarships! With less than two months until the application deadline and not yet at my desired GMAT/GRE score, I was panicking and needed a partner who could help me cross the finish line. Debbie was a partner I could trust who never doubted me for a second. We worked on two schools together and she helped shape my unique story, polish up my essays, and ensure that every part of my application was as strong as possible. What makes working with Debbie special is that she can quickly identify what makes you stand out as an applicant and ensures that your authentic voice shines through. Applying to business school is an intense process, so having the right support system is crucial. I never in my wildest dreams could have imagined such amazing outcomes. If you put in the work under Debbie Choy’s guidance, you cannot go wrong!
Nisha helped me apply to 3 top ranked business schools – I was ultimately accepted to all 3 schools with scholarships from all 3!
Nisha’s guidance was incredibly helpful, all the way from the brainstorming sessions to the editing of my various essays. Her deep understanding of the application process, combined with a talent for highlighting my individual/unique strengths, made her guidance invaluable. Nisha’s personalized strategy helped me to craft narratives that truly stood out to my preferred programs. Her precise, insightful feedback really pushed me to present my experiences in the most compelling way.
I’m really happy I worked with Nisha and would highly recommend her to anyone looking for guidance and support through the difficulty MBA application process.
Without Devi’s guidance, expertise, and support, I would not have gotten into HBS.
Her working style is incredibly efficient and direct, and was exactly what I needed. No fluff, no wasted time. Devi consistently provided candid and constructive feedback to help me put my best foot forward with each school that we worked on.
Devi helped me paint a cohesive picture of my story and tie it to my post-MBA goals, often uncovering themes or drivers from my past that I myself had never reflect upon. Through the many lows and periods of self-doubt that I experienced throughout the process, Devi always believed in me and helped me push forward.
Her structured approach in tackling the application process across various schools ensured that we always stayed on track, time-wise, and met each deadline with ample margin. She knew each school very well and helped me relate my story and post-MBA goals to the specificities of each institution in a way that was genuine to me.
Devi was also incredibly helpful with interview prep. It’s obvious that she’s been an HBS interviewer herself, as my mock with her was very similar to my real HBS interview and helped me feel confident and calm going into the real one.
I highly recommend working with Devi.
Thanks to Kim, I was truly able to put my best foot forward in the MBA admissions process. With all the unknowns and mixed information out there about the application process and MBA programs in general, it was so helpful to have a seasoned expert to go to for questions on everything from GMAT vs. GRE scores to school culture and essays. Kim is thoughtful, highly organized, supportive, and encouraging. I even shot Kim a few mid-existential-crisis emails during the process, to which she quickly responded with reassuring guidance. She felt like a real teammate in this process!
While I consider myself a strong communicator, responding to broad application prompts with tight word limits presented a real challenge. Kim helped me to bring out the strongest examples in each of my essays, and tailor my experience and aspirations towards the elements of each program that interested me, producing genuine and enticing applications for each school. As a result of Kim’s support, I was accepted to all the top programs I applied to, receiving scholarships at 3 of 4.
If you are hesitant to engage a consultant given the price tag, I highly recommend signing up for a free 30-min consultation, just as I did. During those 30 minutes, I could tell Kim truly wanted to give me the most value, speeding through my many questions, and even following up with a thorough email of recommendations and guidance. I felt no pressure to move forward, and did so only because I was shown how much value she would add to my admissions process – I was 100% correct!! I am incredibly grateful to have had Kim’s support during my MBA admissions process, and cannot recommend her more!
Kate came highly recommended to me by several friends who had overwhelmingly positive experiences with her helping them gain admission to top / M7 schools. After being admitted to my top choice schools, I can safely say the experiences of my friends were not a fluke.
It’s obvious that Kate cares about the success of her clients on a personal level. Aside from providing thorough feedback of my resume and essays, she kept me in the loop about information and happenings relevant to my choice schools. She administered a mock HBS interview which I ultimately found to be highly representative of the actual interview. I come from a relatively niche career background, but she performed thorough research to give specific, focused questions and feedback.
Well past the application reviews and interviews, she remained in constant contact to provide thorough answers to my questions and updates. Ultimately, I gained admission to my top choice / M7 schools – despite my GPA starting with a “2”.
I strongly endorse Kate to anybody pursuing admittance to the MBA program of their choice.
‘m so glad I made the decision to work with Gavriella for my MBA applications! She was so incredibly helpful with making sure I stayed on track with drafting and completing my applications. She always sent me information in advance to make sure I felt prepared for the next step of the application / interview process. I felt very prepared by the time I was interviewing, and it really was all thanks to her. Even after getting accepted to all of the programs I applied to, she was very willing to talk through my options with me – after chatting with her, I was confident that I had made the right decision for myself! Would highly recommend working with Gavriella!!
From the moment I first spoke with Rachel, I knew she was the perfect MBA consultant to work with. She is a natural storyteller and helped bring together different pieces of my life, both personal and professional, into a cohesive story that felt authentically like me. I found the MBA application process daunting and complex and couldn’t have navigated it with my head above water without Rachel’s help.
Rachel’s structured approach from the get go, including a brainstorming document, and dedicated support through multiple iterations of essays and short answers were instrumental to getting me into my dream school. She took the time to get to know who I am and what I’m passionate about, and is the best coach and mentor I could ask for.
Rachel also understands the waitlist process at an intricate level – when I got waitlisted, she helped me bring to life my progress since I’d applied in a compelling way and helped me discover strengths I didn’t know I had. She guided me through this process, and helped me get off the waitlist!! Would highly recommend working with Rachel if you’re interested in an MBA.
Harold is not only an exceptional coach and advisor but also a genuinely great person. I couldn’t have imagined a better advisor for my MBA journey. Right from our first meetings, Harold showcased a perfect mix of professionalism and friendliness. During the brainstorming phase, he dedicated significant time to understanding my background and asked super insightful questions that turned out to be super important in later stages when drafting different applications.
Initially, I underestimated the complexity of MBA applications, assuming a straightforward process. I soon realized the intricate nature of tailoring applications to various programs. Harold’s expertise was invaluable here; his knowledge of each program’s nuances proved to be extremely helpful.
Although our initial agreement was to focus on five MBA programs, Harold’s flexible and collaborative nature led us to expand our scope. In the end, I applied to 10 MBA programs, got accepted at 5, all within the top 15, was waitlisted at 3, and received only 2 rejections.
Lastly, what sets Harold apart is his responsiveness and availability. He returned emails almost instantly and provided feedback even on the 25th of December, Christmas Day – a level of dedication beyond what one might expect from an advisor.
In summary, Harold is a prime example of professionalism. He’s always ready to assist—even during holidays—and offers prompt, insightful feedback. For anyone seeking a friendly yet professional MBA advisor, Harold is the ideal choice.
I approached Debbie in October 2023 for interview training. Unlike some consultants who prefer to read a script of the “walk me through your resume” answer, after reading my application materials, Debbie asked me to do a mock-up right away. The first mock-up certainly felt stressful, but I found myself making progress very quickly after the first session. After 3 sessions with Debbie, I believed I was fully prepared for the interviews.
What I truly appreciate about Debbie’s work is her detailed feedback – I have done multiple mock-ups with current students but often their feedback are way too general. Debbie’s feedback, on the other hand, ranges from the structure of my answer to my facial expressions. She truly pays attention to my performance and gives useful advice that are also beneficial for my job interviews in the future.
More importantly, whenever Debbie pointed out a problem, she almost always suggested her solution. I also had worked with a freelancer to prepare for my essays and resume before I found Debbie. My freelancer consultant charged me a lot less compared with Debbie. However, I would spend a lot more hours with her than with Debbie. In a word, I understand that Debbie, at her level, charges more than many other consultants, but it is absolutely worth it. Debbie’s feedback and suggestions are always very sharp, constructive and on-point.
For example, I struggled to put my story together as someone with an engineering degree and an art degree, and Debbie suggested that I position myself as someone who prefers to use both sides of her brain – right hand side and left hand side, meaning quantitative and qualitative. And a weakness (lack of cohesiveness) suddenly became a unique strength of mine. There are a couple of other similar examples, and I benefit so much from Debbie’s solutions.
I was eventually admitted to Ross with 20k scholarships. In addition, I was admitted to Tepper and Johnson with half scholarships, and Darden and UNC with full scholarships.
In the zoom call where I received the great news from Ross, the AdComs specifically mentioned that the interviewer (a Ross alum) gave high praises on my interview performance. Obviously I performed well because Ross was my second last interview, but I also could never have done it without Debbie’s professional instructions and continuous support.
When I was looking for an admissions coach, I was immediately drawn to Debbie’s candor, her commitment to excellence, and her positive and pragmatic attitude. As an Asian-American female pivoting out of finance, I also connected with Debbie at a personal level given her background, and I believed she would best understand and help me craft my unique story. Reflecting on a highly stressful and exhausting year-long process (April 2023 to April 2024), I feel EXTREMELY FORTUNATE AND HAPPY (CAPS LOCK REQUIRED) to have worked with Debbie. Debbie truly partnered with me and rooted for me every step of the way, pushing me to put my best foot forward while always providing a safe space for me to be honest and authentic.
I applied to 4 schools (H/S/W/MIT), and Debbie was critical to helping me structure and advance my applications. Completing 4 applications can feel super daunting, but Debbie set progressive timelines that made everything feel manageable. One of Debbie’s many strengths is her ability to balance detail orientation with strategic guidance: for EVERY essay and short answer, she provided highly effective feedback, from sentence phrasing to essay flow, that allowed me to best convey my story and my voice.
I ended up applying R2 due to a lower than median GMAT score that I was trying to increase ahead of the R1 deadline, but I couldn’t, and I didn’t even end up achieving my target score. It was brutally disappointing, but I still applied R2 and was very worried that my test score would be the gating factor. I was rejected from H/S/W but accepted to MIT. If it weren’t for the thoughtful, strategic brainstorming that we did together for EVERY part of my application for EVERY school in order to best showcase my personality and my experience as a candidate, I wouldn’t have been able to pull it off. Without Debbie, I would not be going to my dream school. Full stop, period.
Debbie’s THE BEST. Work with Debbie.
I remember telling Harshad mid-way during applications that I was very thankful I worked with him irrespective of the outcome. A few weeks later, receiving interview invites from almost all schools I applied to, we had exceeded my expectations. Today, after receiving an admit with scholarship from my dream school, all I can say is I am glad I worked with him.
When I started the application process, I was anxious about applying in R2 as an applicant from the overrepresented pool of Indian consultants with an engineering background. While many admissions consultants either said “round doesn’t matter” or “You have no chance”, Harshad was honest in his views on the matter – presented facts, nuanced perspectives without judgement. I knew he was the right fit and trusted him as my advisor.
He was not just my consultant, but became a trusted friend in the process. He was always available, gave me his honest feedback, helped me brainstorm, ensured I met all the deadlines, but most of all helped me portray my authentic self, was thoughtful and considerate in bringing out my life experiences through my essays. He understood my background, my passion, and my goals and together, we built my applications. Right from selecting schools, to essays, to choosing and managing recommenders, to additional forms. He mentored me so I understood the application process, presented his nuanced views on various aspects empowering to make decisions in my narrative. He went above and beyond to support my business school endeavors! In addition to all of this, we would have insightful and fun conversations that kept my morale high throughout the process.
You can’t go wrong with choosing Harshad for your b-school applications 🙂 I am more than happy to answer any questions that prospective applicants have about his working style. Feel free to DM on LinkedIn.
My key piece of advice for anyone applying to HBS. If you’re serious about getting into HBS, work with Devi. Even if you got to the interview stage without using a consultant for your application, work with Devi. It is a small investment in the context of the total cost of an MBA and could be the difference between getting into a great program vs one of the best.
I worked with Devi on two mock interviews before my HBS interview and it proved to be ideal preparation. Devi’s main super power is her ability to connect the dots in your profile that might have been over looked which allow you to clearly articulate your story and link it to your goals. Devi knew my application inside out before our mock and her intuition on the areas to focus her questions on closely mirrored the actual interview experience. Her tough but supportive style creates the optimum level of intensity for a mock and I walked into the interview with the confidence that I could tackle any question that came my way.
Devi will prepare you to perform at your best. I would 100% recommend working with Devi.
Initially, I started the MBA application process without considering an admissions consultant. After speaking to seven different consultants, including another from mbaMission, it became clear that Katy resonated with me most, and I clicked with her working style immediately. Her schedule was fully booked when I spoke to her, so I had to be patient and persistent to get a slot. But for me, it was Katy or no one. Thankfully, I was able to become her last R2 client. I’m glad I chose Katy because I firmly believe I wouldn’t have achieved the same results without Katy’s guidance.
I applied to six schools in total: Stanford, Harvard, Wharton Lauder, Columbia, Kellogg MMM, and Booth. Katy worked with me on my applications for Stanford, Wharton, and Kellogg. I got admits to all these schools except Harvard. Additionally, I received over $100,000 in merit scholarship from one of these institutions.
From the outset, Katy surpassed my expectations of a consultant. She generously offered assistance with my Lauder, MMM, and Kellogg Alternate Program essays, even though she didn’t have to do this. I was very grateful for this as it made me feel that Katy truly cared for me as a person and wanted me to succeed. Katy also leveraged her network to connect me with alumni at Stanford, Wharton, and Kellogg. These connections provided unique insights not readily available online. This not only allowed me to craft more meaningful and targeted essays but also helped me broaden my network at these schools – something I’m also incredibly grateful for.
Katy remained readily available for phone calls throughout the process. While her schedule became quite demanding towards the end, she ultimately made time when it mattered most, helping me refine my essays and ensure they were in the best possible shape. The mock interviews with Katy were incredibly beneficial and reflective of the actual interviews I had at each school. I recall that my Wharton mock was extremely helpful in getting me acclimated to the TBD format, boosting my confidence for the actual interview. Katy even provided interview materials for schools beyond my package, ensuring I felt comfortable going into those interviews as well.
One key takeaway from our first session was Katy’s emphasis on service-oriented work. She stated her commitment to doing whatever her clients needed. Throughout the process, I truly felt she delivered on that promise. I consider myself incredibly fortunate to have worked with Katy. While the results speak for themselves, I’m even more grateful to have gained a lifelong friend who really understood and supported me throughout my MBA journey. If you’re considering your MBA journey, I highly recommend using Katy as your consultant. She is the best out there. At the very least, you should consider scheduling a free consultation with her. You’ll get a sense of what I’m talking about, and you won’t regret it!
I would highly recommend John to anyone who wants to get into their “reach” school. I decided to get an MBA late in July and signed up for a 4 school package in November. I was so tied up with the GMAT that our work only started in late November (In hindsight, I would recommend you to start working with a consultant the moment that you decide to get an MBA). I got offers from 3 schools (one of them with scholarship) and 1 waitlist. Columbia was my dream school and I’m heading there this fall!
Despite how my GMAT score was below the median, John encouraged me to look beyond it. John’s greatest value is the storytelling, crafting a coherent and compelling narrative for my career transition and uncovering my unique attributes that I otherwise would have overlooked. John is extremely committed, supportive, and engaging, putting in more time and effort than contracted. Due to the time difference, our meetings are often early morning/late night, but every meeting was worth it and essay exchange was highly productive. The interview prep effectively streamlined the process and relieved the stressfulness. I had an urgent interview and we managed to scheduled the mock interview at 6AM (my time zone) with just a few hours of notice. He emphasised that it’s a “conversation” and I’m naturally good at communicating, so do not over prepare.
The school package is expensive, but I think it’s worth it because going to school is an even bigger investment and you want your 1st choice!
As an international applicant, the MBA application process felt daunting and confusing to me. After a 30 minute free consultation, I was matched with Debbie, whom I felt had a similar background to me (grew up in Singapore, worked at J.P. Morgan). Additionally, Debbie had graduated from Stanford, which was my dream school.
I remember feeling very assured after our first call, when Debbie helped me navigate critical decisions, such as which schools to prioritize in my applications.
One of the areas where Debbie truly excelled was in refining my essays. Writing compelling and authentic essays was a challenge for me, but Debbie’s insightful feedback and guidance transformed my essays. She encouraged me to be vulnerable, and it enabled my voice to come through in my writing.
Additionally, Debbie did not overlook any aspect of the application, including the (many) short-answer questions in the application form. Her feedback is timely and always actionable.
Thanks to Debbie’s guidance, I received acceptance letters from Stanford, Berkeley, Wharton and MIT, and secured over $50,000 in fellowship awards.
If you’re considering MBA admission consulting services, I highly recommend mbaMission. You won’t regret it!
I applied to HBS and Harold helped me get into the school, but what a journey it’s been!
In short, I could not have imagined the process without Harold. From the start, he helped me understand and prepare for the application process better than I could have on my own, by providing me with a lot of materials and the timeline we would be working under. Given I am not from the US and I had little time due to my job requirements, the application process was as smooth and efficient as it could have been. What should have a heavy workload became manageable after following his guidance.
Where Harold really stood out was in his ability to help me convey my personal story into a compelling narrative, which I think is what ultimately makes the difference. We had quite a bit of back and forth as we were brainstorming around the narrative but, once it was agreed, the process suddenly became a lot easier (and actually really fast). It was overall much faster and efficient than I thought it would be (also thanks to Harold’s quick turnaround times, edits and feedback).
When we started interview prep, Harold helped me prepare for the dreaded interview, providing me guidance and helping me understand how to navigate it. I don’t think I would have been accepted without his help and guidance, up until the very end.
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