About | Privacy Policy | Advertising| Editorial | Contact Us
Follow Us
Subscribe | Login
Number Of Expert Admissions Coaches: 23
Total Reviews: 1456 | 5 Star Reviews: 1449 | 4 Star Reviews: 5 | 1 Star Reviews: 2
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.
When I first started working with Julie-Anne, I had a bunch of jumbled ideas that didn’t fully mesh together. Julie-Anne worked with me tirelessly to help me clarify my message and gain admission to my top-choice school. I have no doubt that Julie-Anne’s help with my essays and resume played a key role in my admission to my top-choice school. I could not recommend Julie-Anne more highly. She is honest, empathetic, and always willing to help – no matter how small an ask. Julie-Anne is simply the best.
After getting the GMAT score I wanted just about a month before the Round two deadline for the two schools I wanted to apply to and with absolutely no progress in my applications, I got in contact with Kim and she took the challenge of helping me with my application despite the tight timeline.
She was totally invested in my applications. She designed a delivery plan for me to work on and gave me faster than the standard reviews on my work.
After the application, she prepared me for the interviews and gave me tips that definitely made a difference in getting accepted into both schools I applied to.
I really enjoyed working with Kim and I’m 100% sure she will be of great help to anyone working with her (even if it means working on a tight timeline!!)
Choosing to work with mbaMission—and Susan particularly—was one of the best career decisions I could have made. She was extraordinarily helpful at every turn, and truly shepherded me through the entire process, from school selection to deciding which round to apply in, to honing my narrative to build the strongest application possible, to the essays themselves. Thanks to Susan I was admitted to both of my target schools: Stern and Tuck.
The business school process is very much a case of “you don’t know what you don’t know”—there are so many components to consider and to make sure to get right. Susan was the consummate guide, helping me prioritize, keeping me on schedule, and helping me think critically about how exactly an MBA would get me to where I want professionally, why each program was or wasn’t a fit for me, why I was a fit/positive addition for those program(s), and how to communicate all of that in my essays and my resume.
I cannot recommend Susan highly enough!
I had a call with Jessica once I intended to apply for an MBA and she really helped me figure out what I could do, what my points of strength are, what my areas of improvement are, and what I can do to capitalize on my profile. She also helped me a lot in figuring out which post-MBA opportunities I can leverage to strengthen my profile. I would definitely recommend Jessica to anyone who wants support in the introspection journey of finding leadership examples and developing a career game plan for their post-MBA journey. She is very helpful in brainstorming sessions!
Deciding to work with Jessica was the single best decision I made as part of the MBA application process. If you’re reading this review, I highly encourage you to reach out to Jessica to see for yourself. Having spoken with many MBAs who worked with other consultants, I can say with confidence that Jessica is in a league of her own.
Why Jessica stands out: 1. Unparalleled ability to ‘see the forest for the trees’ — Jessica’s superpower is her knack for helping her clients realize what makes their application unique. EVERY applicant has a story – Jessica is invaluable when it comes to teasing out & tailoring an applicant’s story for particular programs or application/essay prompts. I cannot stress the importance of this talent enough: every consultant will help you project manage the application process, but Jessica will help you create the best possible output. She asks idea-generating, prodding questions, looks across your applications to identify rich content and themes, and has a knack for finding the details that really help applicants stand out (details I would have NEVER identified myself). Seriously, I can’t say enough about Jessica’s capabilities on this front. She is unbelievably talented.
2. Operational excellence – Jessica keeps you on track. I applied to five schools, and Jessica ensured I never missed a beat or fell behind. Moreover, Jessica NEVER missed a deadline. She often returned substantive edits to my essays or applications well ahead of her agreed turnaround time. The regular engagement with Jessica made the application completion process fun and motivating! It was really helpful to brainstorm with Jessica asynchronously (given I was working full time) and I ultimately feel some of the best ideas came from our regular ping-ponging of essay drafts.
3. A supportive and confidence-building mentor — the MBA application process is grueling and long. You have moments of self-doubt and exhaustion. Jessica was there at all times to help me get back on the horse. This dimension of Jessica’s partnership is one I have come to deeply appreciate. More than anyone, Jessica understands what you’re going through. She helps you stay positive, focused, and productive.
Thanks to Jessica, I am headed to Stanford in the fall. Looking back, I know i couldn’t have done this without her.
Gavriella Semaya is an exceptional professional who is highly skilled at helping applicants achieve their academic goals. Her expertise, guidance, and encouragement have proved invaluable.
Gavriella helped me rework my resume and shape my essays as a reapplicant to top MBA programs. She was always available to answer my questions and provide feedback on my application materials. She went above and beyond to ensure that I submitted the best possible applications and was successful in achieving my goals.
One of Gavriella’s strengths is her ability to show initiative and a genuine interest in her client’s success. She takes the time to get to know the applicant’s unique situation and provides tailored advice and support accordingly. Her passion for helping others is evident in her work and she truly cares about her clients’ results.
Overall, I highly recommend Gavriella Semaya as an MBA admissions consultant. She is a talented and dedicated professional who can make a significant impact on your MBA application journey.
I couldn’t be happier with my experience working with Debbie as my MBA consultant. From the very beginning, it was clear that she has a wealth of knowledge and experience in the field, and she was able to help me craft unique and compelling application narratives that really highlighted my strengths.
One of the things that I appreciated most about working with Debbie was her personalized approach to consulting. She really took the time to get to know me as a person and understand my career goals, which allowed her to provide tailored advice and recommendations that were specifically geared toward helping me achieve my objectives. This level of care and attention is rare in the industry, and it made all the difference in my MBA application process.
Another thing that really impressed me about Debbie was her ability to identify potential challenges and obstacles before they become major issues. She has a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the MBA application process, which allowed her to provide targeted guidance and support that helped me strengthen my application in a variety of areas.
Throughout the entire consulting process, Debbie was always professional, responsive, and supportive. She was always available to answer my questions, provide feedback on my work, and offer encouragement when I needed it. Her positive attitude and unwavering commitment to her clients were a real asset throughout the MBA application process.
Overall, I would highly recommend Debbie as an MBA consultant. Her expertise, personalized approach, and dedication to her clients make her a top choice for anyone who is serious about MBA app.
Katy was highly recommended to me by two close friends who are HBS students. She exceeded my expectations throughout every facet of the application process, and thanks to her help, I was accepted into my dream program, the MBA/MBA dual degree program at Wharton/Lauder, and even received a generous scholarship!
As someone with a non-traditional professional background, including a career gap and a salary decrease from moving to Latin America, I was concerned about communicating my narrative in a concise but effective way. From the first meeting, Katy seemed to understand me and through many conversations throughout the process helped craft every element of my application to highlight my fit with the program.
Without hesitation, I highly recommend Katy to anyone seeking help with their MBA application process.
After getting the exciting news that I had received an interview at HBS, I connected with Devi for her HBS Intensive Interview Simulation. While I was initially concerned about the price tag, I can assure you that Devi’s services are worth every penny. She came into our interview simulation having researched every element of my resume. Her questions were targeted and thoughtful, and her ultimate feedback on my responses was extremely poignant. She pushed me to consider how I can think about my responses not just as answers but as providing deeper insights into myself as a person, what I care about, and how I translate that into my work. In our second session, she built upon the frameworks from our initial conversation and pushed me hard to shore up my remaining gaps. As others have said, she shares a lot of tough love, but she also is extremely supportive and helped me to see elements of myself that I didn’t fully realize was there. Ultimately, the results speak for themselves, and I wholeheartedly and without reservations recommend Devi for anyone interested in getting into HBS.
Gavriella Semaya was excellent and efficient with our time. She helped frame my essay and connect them together to create my unique story. Gavriella worked diligently with me to meet my tight deadlines and made sure to help me write a strong essay. She provides a questionnaire to get to know more about you and in meetings helps to dig deep into what makes your experience unique and make sure it’s being tied together and presented in your essay to provide a highly competitive and unique essay. I would highly recommend Gavriella for your IVY League MBA candidacy. Also, shout out to Jermey, the founder, who made himself available and provided advice tailored to me.
Rachel Beck was a fantastic mentor, guide, and coach throughout the MBA application journey. It took just a few minutes into my free consultation to realize that working with Rachel would be the best way to help me navigate through the complexity of the application process. Rachel was incredibly knowledgeable about all of my target schools and gave me tailored advice throughout the brainstorming and writing stages. But, perhaps most importantly, Rachel was there as my cheerleader from the beginning to the end. She was always available to speak, and she consistently came prepared with innovative ideas to make my application shine. By the end, Rachel felt more like a good friend, than a business school coach, and I look forward to staying in touch! I can’t imagine going through this process without her.
Since HBS has always been my dream school, I was set to do everything I can in my preparation once I was fortunate to get the interview invite.
After doing my research, Devi’s HBS Intensive Interview Simulation came up, and I was ready to work after her webinar! HBS Interview Preparation was the most intense interview preparation for me because of the stake and the unknowns – Devi’s candid feedback, some tough love, and patience with my follow-ups helped me to be more calm, concise, and confident in the process – which made the actual interview become enjoyable as I am confident that I put my best foot forward.
The interview prep with Devi was instrumental in getting me into HBS, and her sessions were worth every penny. If you are serious about HBS interview preparation, I would absolutely recommend Devi’s guidance. Thank you, Devi!
Kate is an exceptional MBA consultant to work with. Her extensive knowledge and experience in guiding students through the application process of various schools was tremendously helpful. I could not have made an informed decision about schools without her insightful information. Kate’s professionalism, patience, and kindness make her an absolute pleasure to work with. I had a very positive experience during our mock interview, and the valuable tips she gave me greatly impacted my actual interview. I wholeheartedly recommend Kate to anyone who is going through the challenging process of applying for an MBA program.
I had the pleasure of working with Krista during the 2022-2023 application season. She supported me through the essay writing, interview, and decision-making process. When I think back on my MBA application journey, one of the best calls I made was hiring Krista.
There are a few qualities that make Krista stand out:
1) Krista is a great editor – Krista had an uncanny ability to transform essays without changing the underlying tone or meaning. Some of my initial drafts were vague and not specific enough. Krista rejiggered them and made them more concrete. When my initial drafts were strong, Krista added details here and there that really pushed them to the next level. She would turn “solid” essays into “exceptional” ones.
2) Krista’s timeliness – I paid for Krista’s hourly services and was told that work would be returned within a 2-day timeframe. In the nine months that I spent with her, she never missed this window once. I knew when I sent in an essay, résumé, or org chart that it would be returned ASAP. In some cases Krista would even get back to me within 24 hours. I was particularly impressed by this because I knew she was juggling multiple clients at once. She did a great job of making each candidate a priority and getting back to people in a timely fashion.
3) Krista’s breadth of knowledge about MBA admissions – After my applications were submitted, throughout the interview phase and beyond, I would frequently ask Krista one-off questions about the next steps (e.g. what to wear to an interview, whether to do an interview virtually or in-person, how the employment verification process works, etc.). She was able to answer every question thoroughly, accurately, and promptly. She would even go above and beyond and provide me with links to resources off the Internet or at mbaMission that would give me a more in-depth explanation of a question that she had already answered. If I was in doubt, I knew Krista would be able to help.
Most importantly, though, with Krista, I never felt that I was going on this journey alone. The MBA application process is draining, mentally, physically, and emotionally. While it can be helpful to have family and friends there to support you, in my view, it is even more critical to have an expert who is well-versed in MBA admissions so that you can feel as prepared as possible for anything that may come your way. I felt that I had all of that in Krista and more.
In the end, I was admitted to four of the M7 programs, including my #1 choice: Wharton HCM. I know that it would not have been possible without Krista’s support. I cannot recommend her highly enough. If you are looking for expert help and guidance throughout the MBA application process, choose Krista. She was faultless from start to finish.
Nisha helped me get into my top choice schools (Yale, Michigan, and UCLA) with amazing scholarships at each one. Her turnaround time is amazing and she helped me develop a clear story for each school. Each step of the process was a breeze with Nisha’s experience and advice. She is one of the kindest people I have worked with! I highly recommend.
I cannot thank Nisha enough for her guidance throughout the entire application process. I say with confidence that working with Nisha was the best decision I made.
Nisha was quick to respond – faster than prescribed – which I found extremely helpful, given the tight timelines for application. She has always been kind to provide guidance/ clarification via email or phone call whenever needed, even outside her normal work hour.
Also, Nisha has a special skill for understanding the heart of an applicant’s story, which, I believe makes her edits crisp and insightful. Her questions/feedback helped me craft interesting stories and highlight unique aspects which I had not thought of.
Lastly, during the mock interview, Nisha provided very detailed feedback on each question & answer. She also asked/ helped me prepare for questions that were not in the mbaMission guidebook – which I found really helpful!
Overall, I am thankful for being able to work with Nisha. I am glad that I met her to get into my dream school – top tier MBA program.
Using MBA Mission and specifically working with Rachel Beck was the best decision I made during my MBA admissions process. There are so many different ways of approaching the applications. Rachel took the time to understand my story, my strengths, and my weaknesses to direct me in a way that I would not have been able to do on my own. She went above and beyond — answering calls and emails at all times of the day. I never felt like she was using a one size fits all approach. Each conversation and piece of advice she gave felt so tailored and specific to me, which allowed me to put together a really unique application at each school. I would recommend Rachel time and time again!!
As a re-applicant who had applied to ten of the top-15 US Business schools and failed to get admission from a single school, I was admittedly at a low point. I was convinced I didn’t belong to the top 10 schools. This is when Nisha’s valuable input guided me out of a difficult period. She did a review my applications and gave me three precise reasons that would very likely have worked against me. I spent the next 4-5 months doing specific things, under her guidance, to target and bridge these gaps. Nisha knows the balance of give and take in such circumstances – it was like a partnership at all times. Despite being the expert, she was always open to listening to my views and incorporated the inputs she felt were reasonable and thoroughly discussed with me the reasons for disagreement, on the occasions she disagreed. It was always a constructive back and forth – and that, in addition to her insights, is what has been special about working with Nisha. Thanks to her valuable guidance, I have secured offers from NYU Stern and Michigan Ross.
In the short amount of time, I’ve known Gavriella through this MBA process my life changed. While this statement may sound hyperbolic, it’s not. As a coach, Gavriella really helped me make some critical life choices I had to face when applying to graduate school. I really experienced growth in my essay writing, enhanced my interview skills, and even had a more clear vision for the direction of my career. She made our conversations a safe place with no judgment. I was able to gain more confidence in this process which was conveyed in my application and led to an acceptance into my top school. Gavriella really cares when coaching me — she took a deep holistic dive and pushed me in a positive, constructive way. I am blessed to have had her as my coach.
As an applicant from Singapore, I have had the experience of working with Katy over two application cycles – the first for my MBA in 2022 and then after I got into Wharton for the HKS MPA in 2023. Katy supported me throughout the process in different capacities. Although I had been through the essay writing process when I applied for my MBA, the HKS application demanded that I reboot and start from scratch. Katy served as a thought partner in the early stages of the process, someone I could run my experiences by and with whom I could co-create/ craft a narrative. Her inputs to building a comprehensive academic resume were particularly valuable, especially given that I had to reframe a lot of my experiences differently than I had for my MBA application. Once I transitioned to a state of flow/ execution mode, she provided candid feedback and pushed me to add details/ nuances or sometimes even rethink what I was trying to communicate, which made each iteration stronger. All in all, Katy’s support was instrumental in my building a compelling narrative within a tight timeframe!
I can’t imagine approaching the MBA admissions process without the help of Katharine Lewis!
I’ve wanted to apply to Stanford GSB for years, but my non-traditional background of a creative career in the arts, jumble of transcripts from multiple undergraduate institutions, and less-than-ideal GRE score dissuaded me.
Then, someone introduced me to Katharine. She gave me the confidence and support I needed to believe it could be possible to explain my story in a way the admissions committee would understand. She saw and celebrated my strengths and successes and worked closely with me to ensure my unique career trajectory was conveyed properly for the MBA admissions context, meticulously, through absolutely every portion of the application. No question felt too small to ask Katharine.
I learned so much about myself and my history through her insightful questions that led me to uncover the best material for my application. Katharine also connected me with an incredible GSB alum and former client who gave me invaluable advice and details that greatly elevated my “Why Stanford” essay.
Throughout the process, I constantly said that no matter the outcome, I was so happy I chose to apply and work with Katharine because of how fun, enjoyable, and enlightening the process was. Admissions decision aside, I felt incredibly empowered and validated just by understanding my past through the lens Katharine and I crafted together.
I only worked with Katharine to apply to one school, Stanford GSB, and I was accepted! I know for a fact it wouldn’t have been possible without her. And on top of it all, I found a true friend in Katharine. I felt and still feel incredibly supported and celebrated by Katharine — that she truly cared as much as I did, which constantly touched and amazed me.
I could not recommend Katharine enough, especially if you’re an applicant with an unusual or interesting background who’s not sure how to tell your story in an MBA application. Katharine’s enthusiasm is beyond inspiring, and I am grateful every day that I found her.
I legitimately do not have anything but incredible things to say about Gavriella. When I decided to embark on this MBA application journey, I started with an idea for a business. I knew that it was a bit of a crazy concept and I was leaving the comfy job for a chance to start a company from scratch. This idea was not simple and when I explained it to Gavriella she was very intrigued, but most importantly, she saw the potential that my story had and immediately knew how to navigate the applications with me. She helped me craft a consistent story on how my architecture background prepared me for MBA with a focus on entrepreneurship. We narrowed down the schools together and then worked on the interviews once I heard back from each school. She had amazing advice throughout the whole process also, for example: prioritizing, getting scholarships, negotiating, which tests to take, and many more. The whole MBA application process can be confusing and overwhelming, especially when you get tons and tons of information about applications. Having her along the process was incredibly valuable because she always had great advice, but most importantly, she understood me and what my idea was about. After working with her for 6 months or so, not only did I get admitted to all 3 schools I wanted to go to, but also got full-ride scholarships to each one. I am super grateful for everything Gavriella has done for me, I have no doubt that she made a huge impact on my results.
I worked with Devi on my full application to both GSB and HBS and on the GSB and HBS interviews. Devi teaches you things that you cannot learn from any book/website or forum. Even though many people dread the HBS interview for its rigor, with Devi’s expert guidance, the actual interview felt like a breeze. Devi is honest and supportive, and throughout the entire process, I could feel that she believed in my candidacy. Devi helped me explain my work experience in a clear way – something that I struggled with at the beginning. Devi was INSTRUMENTAL in my admission to both GSB and HBS. If you are serious about the process, don’t think twice and work with Devi.
With less than 10 days until the application deadline, I made the last-minute decision to hire a consultant to help with my essay. After my first phone call with Devi, I could sense how she wasted no time and gave honest, critical advice that ultimately set up my application for success. Close to the deadline, she worked around the clock to provide helpful insights on my essay and made sure I was getting the most value out of the 5-hour package. She is straightforward with her advice, but I can tell it is only in the best interest of the candidates. I would encourage future candidates to make the decision to work with Devi (and decide a bit earlier than I did!) as my experience goes to show how dedicated Devi is to her clients!
I worked with Nisha on applying for the round 1 cycle for class of 2025. I went in very narrow-minded – I initially wanted to stay in my city and my city alone. Nisha’s thoughtful guidance opened my eyes up to other programs that would not only help me get to where I want to go but give me a higher chance of being admitted at all. In a turn of events that I could not have predicted, I am moving away and attending the program of my dreams. Nisha, thank you for answering my anxious questions and calming my nerves. I am very grateful, and so excited to embark on this next chapter.
I signed up for the Start-to-Finish Package for two schools from mbaMission (Wharton and Haas). I first had a free consultation with Jessica Shklar, and she ultimately matched me with Susan.
As someone who comes from a nontraditional background, I lacked confidence and I wasn’t sure how to navigate the MBA admissions process. Susan helped me understand how to convey my unique story and experience in a way that made sense for business school. She also helped me reflect deeply on what I wanted to really achieve post-MBA. The process of brainstorming and writing essays with Susan was a truly transformative experience, one that made me realize my own strengths in the competitive applicant pool for both Haas and Wharton. However, what made Susan stand out the most for me was her attention to detail and honest feedback. Susan’s feedback pushed me to perfect my application, and I honestly don’t think I would’ve gotten into these programs, let alone with significant scholarships, without her support. I can tell she deeply cares about the people she works with and was always available to hop on a call if I had any questions about her feedback. I cannot recommend Susan enough!!
In addition to Wharton and Haas, I also got into Booth, Yale, Tuck, and Michigan (all with over 50% scholarships). After working with Susan on Wharton and Haas, I felt more confident tackling these other applications by myself!
Working with Harshad was the best decision I ever made. He not only understood the admissions process but also genuinely believed in my potential. His faith in my ability to get into a top school, even with the GMAT score I had, was the push I needed to believe in myself after speaking to many other skeptical consultants, who told me my chances are very limited.
Harshad’s expertise helped me find my unique story, which I believe was the key to making my application stand out. His ability to patiently listen and ask thought-provoking questions enabled me to dive deep into my experiences and aspirations, eventually crafting a compelling narrative that resonated with my target school. I must also highlight Harshad’s deep understanding of my background and culture. He recognized the unique strengths that came with my diverse experiences and helped me leverage them to showcase my potential to the admissions committees. I truly believe that his ability to integrate those facts into my application played a significant role in setting me apart from other applicants.
When it came to writing my essay, Harshad’s guidance was invaluable. He provided clear and actionable feedback, which enabled me to refine my writing while preserving my authentic voice. I was amazed by how he could turn my experience into a powerful and engaging story.
Thanks to him, I was accepted into Harvard Business School – a dream come true!
In conclusion, I think Harshad is the best in the business and will go above and beyond to help you achieve your goals. I am forever grateful for his support and can’t recommend him enough!
I had a great experience and outcome with Debbie. She is professional and does care about my personal situation. One year ago, I was not accepted into any of the major programs I applied to. One year later, with the same job and GMAT score, Debbie helped me to get into the program I dreamed of. She can talk with you to discover potentials you may not even know on your own. She will enlarge your highlights while avoiding the risky points you may make alone. I find the process with Debbie very helpful, and she is highly recommended.
Starting my MBA application was a process that really scared me. I didn’t feel confident in my ability to put together an application that would show my best strengths, and I didn’t know what schools I could really get into. I found Gavriella and after our first preview interview, I felt like she would be a wonderful advisor through my application process. She has an incredible breadth of knowledge that I was able to utilize. I was able to ask her questions at any time and on any topic and she always responded with a helpful and thoughtful response. She was optimistic and gave me the emotional support I needed to get through the ups and downs of applying to multiple schools with a variety of different essay topics and deadlines. She was an amazing editor and advisor while I was writing my essays. I feel like her ideas helped make my writing 10x better! I felt like she truly cared about me and that my wins were her wins. I got offers from 4 of the 5 schools that I applied to and am so happy with my school of choice. I truly feel like I couldn’t have done this process without Gavriella’s help. Thank you Gavriella, your help has meant the world!
I definitely recommend Michael as an advisor for applying to MBA schools. I didn’t have much time to submit my applications, but he was able to guide me through the process and work with me to revise my essays to emphasize my strong points. I applied to the University of Michigan’s Ross MBA and was accepted despite not having many years of work experience and my GPA/GMAT scores not being as competitive as other applicants. I only had a month to submit my applications and within that month Michael was able to work with me to revise all my essays, rework my resume, and decide which recommenders to ask. He helped show me which aspects the admissions council would be looking at when they reviewed an applicant. Everything he said was spot on as I asked one of the admissions reviewers later what they were looking at to choose a student and every point they covered was underscored by Michael! He also helped me work on interview prep after I got the initial invite and I think my interview went pretty well as I was admitted into my top school: the University of Michigan Ross. Despite not having much time to submit everything, Michael was very responsive and worked hard to get his essay comments/revisions back to me to make changes, sometimes even working over Zoom with me late into the night and was available whenever I wanted to schedule some time to ask questions/review. (This was especially helpful as I was in Europe half the time which made the time zones all messed up when trying to meet.) The overall admissions process was less stressful and I’m happy to have picked Michael to help me with my MBA admissions. I definitely recommend him to anyone who wants to improve their applications and be a more competitive candidate!
After reviewing consultants, I decided to take a 30-minute free consultation with Devi to choose someone who would navigate the process wisely in less than a month and help me get into my dream school. After the virtual call that lasted for an hour, I decided to do the complete start-to-finish package with her. Devi gave me clear, direct, and pragmatic instructions on how to efficiently communicate my profile to different schools. The success of my application was brought by her prompt, competent, and objective feedback on materials. My CV and essays would not be the same without her. Her help was immense during the interview preparation process too, when she not only challenged me but also helped me to gain confidence when talking about my achievements and goals. Devi really pushed me to do my best for the real interview. I was fortunate to have her as a consultant and would recommend her to anyone who is seeking to apply to business school.
Hiring Rachel to be my MBA advisor was a no-brainer, and the best decision I could have made during my MBA application process. She came highly recommended to me by two close friends that both gained admission to their top MBA targets with her help and guidance.
Rachel guided me through applying to my dream school, Columbia Business School, and with her unmatched dedication and incredible expertise, I got in! She was not only a mentor to me through this process, but also a true friend that I knew I could trust and who would have my best interests in mind.
She understands the MBA application process in impeccable detail. She helped me craft my application in a way that was compelling and helped bring to light all of my greatest strengths and accomplishments. Her process is methodical, highly tailored, and incredibly effective, and she is there for you each and every step of the way. Hiring Rachel will maximize your chances of getting into your choice MBA program! Thank you, Rachel!!
I cannot recommend Kim enough. She truly cares about her clients and she goes above and beyond to help them achieve their goals. Kim has a breadth of knowledge about top programs and can help candidates understand their strengths and opportunities. Kim helped me asses my profile and identified areas of opportunity for me. She also reviewed my essays for one of my top programs and helped me with interview preparation. I am fortunate to have gotten into all of the schools I applied to and I could not have done it without Kim’s help!
I’m an applicant with many weaknesses in my application, so I reached out to someone who got admitted to one of the top MBA schools to seek advice and that person recommended that I work with Jessica. So I asked for the 30 min free consultation and in those minutes Jessica was AMAZING! She spotted my weakness, how to mitigate them, spotted my strengths, and introduced me to programs that I never heard about. After the call, I signed up with her for the four schools package, I knew after the call that it was a no brainer to work with Jessica. In many of the reviews you will read about her skills, I agree with all of them. I believe she is an artist that takes a rusted piece of steel and turns it into a shining diamond. She really impressed me by going above and beyond, it was like a partnership rather than a consultant providing services. She gave very sound advice regarding program selections, exam selections, and application strategy.
I got an interview invitation from one of the M7 schools and I didn’t schedule it as soon as I got the invitation due to my travels, so I ended up with the first slot and only had 48 hours to prepare (and to make matters worse, the 48 hours were during the weekend). I freaked out, but Jessica calmed me down and made sure I was well-prepared. With her help, I got accepted to my first choice school that I applied to 😊. I believe that my decision to work with Jessica led me to achieve my dream to get into an M7 school.
Choosing Harshad as my consultant during my MBA application process has been one of the best investments I have made for myself in my life. I started my applications fairly late and I don’t know what I would have done without his help. At the start of the application process, I was a little lost, overwhelmed, and intimidated. I quickly decided that I needed a consultant to deliver the best possible application that reflected who I am. From my first phone call with Harshad, I knew he was the right person to help me get into my dream schools. From the start, he helped me really hone in and focus on my story to show business schools why I was worthy of a place in their programs. With Harshad’s guidance and assistance I was able to deliver honest and polished applications that reflected who I really was to the schools and why I was such a great fit with them. Harshad’s highly structured and organized working process along with his quick turnaround speed allowed us to work at a really fast pace. He would always respond to any concern or question in no time, usually getting back to me polished versions of my essays in under a day’s time. In addition, he was not afraid about being direct and honest about what didn’t work and what did in my application, which was really helpful as it allowed me to really focus my applications on my particular qualities, experiences, and aspirations that business schools would really care about and be looking for in their next batch of students. His help during mock-up interviews was invaluable as well as it helped me be more confident, humble and relaxed on the day of the real thing. Harshad was also very kind and respectful during all our dialogues and he expressed genuine happiness for me when I got the results I hoped for. Although I would recommend to most people they start their applications several months in advance, Harshad helped me successfully deliver applications in under a month and a half to two top schools which is a testament to his expertise, knowledge and dedication. In the end, I ended up getting admits into INSEAD and HEC Paris, two schools I am fairly sure I would not have gotten into without his help. He was a true mentor and guide to me. If you’re looking for an MBA consultant look no further – Harshad is your guy.
As a member of the military, I knew that applying to top MBA programs would be a daunting task. That’s why I reached out to Harshad and I can confidently say that it was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. From the outset, he took the time to understand my background and unique experiences, and helped me to craft an application that truly reflected who I am. Harshad provided expert guidance on every aspect of the application process, from selecting the right schools to crafting compelling essays and preparing for interviews. As a military applicant, I appreciated their deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities that come with serving in the armed forces, and their ability to help me communicate the value of my experiences to admissions committees. Thanks to his help, I was accepted to my target program and was able to make an informed decision about where to enroll. I cannot recommend Harshad highly enough to anyone who is considering applying to business school, especially if you have a military background.
I worked with Devi on my full application and HBS interview. Devi was the consultant I think everyone needs, she’s honest, supportive, and efficient. The application process can be very stressful and Devi did an amazing job at helping me go through all the steps perfectly. Crafting my story was the hardest part (for me) as I felt like I had no interesting story to tell but Devi helped me communicate effectively which helped my writing even beyond applications. Devi was very honest and clear which made me trust her feedback even more. I then purchased interview sessions with Devi and I have to say, don’t second guess this service – if you get an HBS interview invite get these sessions! Each session was different and we worked on answering different questions in a thorough and concise manner. She really helped me think and speak clearly about my job, goals, and experiences. I went into my interview with the confidence that I needed and even though (as she says) we can never anticipate the questions, I was able to answer each question with confidence and ease.
As a nontypical applicant (social science undergrad, career in nonprofits, gap in my work history) I recognized that I needed a consultant to partner with for the business school application process and my friends had recommended mbaMission. After exploring consultants online, I knew I wanted to work with Kate because of her experience and interest in working with those from nontraditional backgrounds, which proved to be invaluable. She helped me craft my personal story to cater to the unique aspects of each program, identified key points to highlight my strengths, and enable me to condense my essays to fit the strict word limits. Most importantly, she was the level-headed cheerleader I needed during this demanding process. She set realistic expectations, provided constructive criticism, celebrated achievements both big and small, and eased video essays and interview-related anxiety. Kate also worked with my three references (colleagues and mentors in the nonprofit sector who had never written business school recommendations) to ensure they successfully conveyed my potential as a future business leader. In the end, I was accepted to two out of the three M7s I applied to, including my first choice program. I doubt this would have been possible without Kate’s expert guidance. Applying to the top MBA programs can be a confusing and grueling process, so if you are wondering whether to hire Kate to support you, the answer is yes!
Kate was amazing. As someone whose current job requires working very long hours, my biggest worry during the process was not having enough time to stay organized and thoroughly craft my story. Kate allowed me to do both. I can honestly say I would not have been able to do this without her. 10 out of 10 – cannot say enough good things about Kate.
If you got an interview invitation from HBS, that’s a sign that you should work twice as hard on your story as you did during the application stage. I realized that after a bootcamp style preparation for an interview with Devi, a process that helped me to deeply retrospect about my story, reflect on my professional and personal experience and present my achievements in the most natural way.
Since our first call, I realized how lucky I was to get a slot in Devi’s schedule. Devi knew my whole application down to every last detail in my CV and essay. We had multiple mock interviews with follow-up discussions on how exactly I could sharpen a particular story: which details should be helpful to liven it up and what could be missed out without further regret. Story by story I was sharpening my profile. Although exhaustive, this approach was always fun and productive. For example, we spent quite some time working on a core story in my profile about how I changed the approach to the pitching preparation process within my firm. Challenging with thought-provoking questions Devi pushed me to dig deeper into intentions that I had, what issues I faced, how I overcame them, and how this project helped my firm win clients from new sectors and materially transform our revenue mix. Interview preparation really helped me to realize how much I have achieved and performed during my career, providing me with additional confidence at the interview.
During the interview day, I had zero stress, as the vast majority of questions that the interviewer asked me were those that we discussed with Devi during our sessions. This is a kind of insight and understanding of the interview process that probably only Devi can provide given her experience.
HBS interview prep experience with Devi became a foundation for all other interviews and helped me secure offers not only from HBS but also from Yale, Wharton and MIT.
The interview is the last and most important step to your dream MBA program and you should not compromise on the quality of your preparation. So, if you are serious about your HBS or other B-school interview preparation, Devi is a go-to consultant for this.
I was in a severe time crunch when I decided I wanted to apply to a business program. I had 3 weeks before the round 4 deadline and I was also getting married a week after the deadline. I originally did not have plans of reaching out to an admissions consultant as I had used one for my Master of Science degree and had had a bad experience working with one. Owing to the time crunch situation that I was in, I decided to reach out to an admissions consultant. I read through a few reviews and did my research before picking a firm and a specific consultant. The most important thing that I learned in this research process was that the connection with the consultant was very important. Hence, I signed up for a few 30-minute trial sessions with different consulting firms to gauge my connection with different consultants. I finally ended up going with Heidi Granner from mbaMission. She gave me realistic advice taking into consideration my unique situation (I have a fairly non-traditional background though I’m from an Over-represented demographic) and background. The process was very streamlined with a lot of focus on introspection and self-discovery. If I had not hired Heidi, I don’t think I could have picked the appropriate experiences and subsequently crafted a well-rounded story. Heidi is a skilled storyteller, a great listener, and an empathetic consultant. I only applied to two schools but still got into a top-tier – European business school. I’m more than happy that I picked mbaMission and particularly, Heidi as my consultant!
I did the Complete Start-to-Finish Package with Devi and from the very beginning I could sense how invested Devi was in my success. Her direct and straightforward style helped me put my best foot forward in applications and truly showcase both my accomplishments and personality. More than just helping me pack more in an essay, she pulled out stories and emotions and helped me add more depth to my writing. With regards to interviews – her knowledge regarding the HBS interview was evident. The prep session helped me pinpoint areas of improvement that I was able to address ahead of the interview. I was shocked at how comfortable I ended up feeling during the interview itself. Overall, I’d highly recommend working with Devi for your MBA applications!!
Krista understood my story and what I’m passionate about. She helped me showcase who I am in a very practical, descriptive, and consistent way across all of my MBA applications – and I got into 11/11 business schools (including Harvard, Wharton, and Stanford) with nearly $1M in scholarship money.
Some things that stand out about Krista:
1. Helped me maximize the time. From the very beginning, Krista advised me on how best to use the hours that I purchased from her. We regularly exchanged materials with very detailed instructions on where/where not to focus her review time – and she stuck to it every single time. This made me feel like she prioritized me and what I needed vs. running down the hours (which can be a concern for hourly services in any space). She also suggested what I could do on my own as well (e.g., grammatical reviews), so that she could focus on higher-value feedback for the money that I spent. Krista always tailored her approach to me, which made me feel cared for as a whole person during what can be an incredibly vulnerable process.
2. Invested in me holistically. Even with me being an hourly client, Krista still offered other materials (e.g., school guides and FAQs) and ongoing support (e.g., check-in emails the day of acceptance days) that made me feel like she cared about me holistically. Another way Krista showed her investment in me was by always keeping up with my storyline across all 11 of my applications. For example, Krista offered very targeted suggestions of what I should pull into one of my applications from an earlier application based on the prompt and what my story may have been missing. This helped me focus my efforts, use my hourly services more efficiently, and made me feel heard and seen – Krista truly believed in me and what I could accomplish.
3. Believed in me from the beginning. From our initial conversation, Krista believed in my applicant profile and what I could bring to every MBA program that I applied to. I had concerns about my test scores, which Krista did provide support for me to increase slightly, but I knew I needed my application to stand out in other ways. Not only did Krista help me strengthen my narrative, but she provided endless encouragement along the way. She gave me so much praise on my materials (when it was warranted) and regularly reminded me of how much I’ve accomplished in my career (and as a person) to get me to this point. Krista’s support had an incredibly positive impact on my entire MBA application process and kept me going when times were difficult.
Krista came recommended to me by a very close friend – and now I’ll recommend Krista to everyone I know. Although I’ll never know why these schools accepted me, I’m confident that my applications were better because of Krista.
Devi is definitely the straightforward tough love consultant. I had done a fair bit of research before I decided to hire a consultant but I wanted someone to help me narrow down my essay focus and help me “sanity check” my profile. I wrote a 25-page brainstorm document before our first meeting and I could tell she read it thoroughly and was able to very quickly point out what was unique about my profile. She gave me clear instructions on how to approach the orders of essays as well and even though I was hesitant to do my HBS essay last (since it was my top choice), it ended up being the easiest to write and one of my favorite pieces of writing ever. But more importantly, Devi was a HUGE help during my interview process for HBS. I had researched and read perhaps a bit too much before my first mock interview and was trying to keep my answers very short at the expense of the completeness of my stories. During our first mock interview, Devi was very direct in pointing that out and even though it was very stressful to shift my mindset as I prepped for our second mock in just a few days, it did me wonders because her guidance on how to structure my focus points was EXTREMELY helpful. My actual interview overlapped a bit with our mock and I felt comfortable in answering questions I didn’t prepare for using the same approach as my other answers. I am so happy I got accepted to my dream school HBS in R1 and will always be grateful for Devi’s help throughout the process. If you also want to get into HBS (and also other schools), you must talk to Devi!!
I worked with Harold on MIT Sloan’s additional essay, which I was requested after my interview invitation. First of all, he guided me properly about the direction of my essay. He also helped me write a competitive essay. Also, he is really good at communicating. Every time I had a hard time writing essays, he helped me a lot without any sign of annoyance. Eventually, I got admission to MIT Sloan school thanks to his help. Without his help, getting admission to MIT would have been difficult.
Devi was instrumental in getting me into HBS, and I was fortunate enough that she still had space.
I initially thought that HBS interview would be like any other. How different could they be? Very, as it turns out. From the style of questions, to their substance, HBS interview was unlike any interview I’ve gone through.
Devi knew my application and resume better than I did myself, and she spent more time preparing for our sessions than I did (and I spent a lot of time preparing). Her feedback was on point and actionable, and made all the difference.
She also told me when I had enough practice, which I appreciated. Of course, it would have made better financial sense for her to continue, but this just goes to show that she always has the candidate’s best interest at heart.
When the interview day finally came I was shocked by how many questions that we practiced actually came up (these were questions about very specific experiences rather than generic questions). In the heat of the moment, however, I got somewhat tangled and thought that my chances of admission were gone. As it turns out, they weren’t! Devi prepares you to such a standard that even what feels like a bad interview is in fact good.
I would not have made it without Devi, and I cannot recommend her enough. You should work with her if you’re serious about getting into HBS. I’m having the time of my life, and I’m sure you would too!
I wholeheartedly recommend working with Debbie on your applications. With Debbie’s invaluable guidance, I’ve been admitted to one of my top two choices of business schools, a top 5 institution! I’ve already interviewed at two of the four schools I applied to, with final decisions still pending. I’m still in the running to be admitted to all four schools!
Debbie gave me candid and impactful advice on my personal branding – how to highlight the unique aspects of my background and show alignment with my goals. With the essays, be prepared to really engage with Debbie. She’ll come at you fast and furious with seedlings of ideas, grown from the fertile soil of your unique background and story. They are merely suggestions; often it’s the thinking behind her ideas that will then prompt your own inspired idea. This brainstorming process is critical to the final outcome. Trust this process and trust Debbie. It will save you much grief down the road.
Not currently working, I had plenty of time to spend not only considering and incorporating Debbie’s suggestions but also independently reflecting on what other changes I wanted to make. We worked very efficiently together and generally arrived at a very polished result in three or four iterations. I feel that she adapts well to her clients – for me, as a decent writer, she focused most of her attention on structure and message, but I’ve seen that she also has the writing chops to refine drafts at a lower level.
We worked very closely with two of the four schools. The learnings I gained from 10 hours of her time flowed naturally through the remaining two schools. Through the process, I’ve become stronger at telling my personal stories, a skill that will help me throughout business school and beyond.
I had an excellent experience prepping for my HBS interview with Devi, and couldn’t have asked for a better outcome! For my actual application, I worked with a different consulting company but signed up for 1 session of interview prep with Devi. Devi was highly recommended by a friend who had worked with her for his HBS interview and ended up getting admitted to HBS and GSB. What I appreciated most about Devi were her candid approach and direct feedback–I had unconsciously picked up a lot of poor interview advice from the internet, and Devi was quick to correct how I approached my responses. Without her guidance, I know I wouldn’t have emphasized the right parts of my story to leave an impact in the interview. Devi thoroughly prepared for my session read my entire application and came up with questions specifically tailored to me. Although I found 1 mock interview to be enough for me (Devi provided actionable tips and homework after our session), I probably would have benefited from and welcomed a second session in retrospect. I don’t think there’s anyone else in the MBA consulting space who has the same extensive HBS interview experience as Devi, and I think it’s a no-brainer to work with her if HBS is the goal!
I am 100% confident I wouldn’t have achieved the results I did without Heidi’s expertise.
Heidi is a reliable and practical consultant who will be honest with you from the start while still being warm and encouraging. Do not fear that your essays won’t sound like your voice — Heidi is amazing at providing guidance and suggestions for strengthening essays while having you very much keep your own writing style/voice.
As someone who admittedly isn’t the best with time management (especially for longer-term projects/goals — i.e. completing 4 applications over 2 months), I was open about this with Heidi from the start and asked for her support. She built me a custom calendar that had all of my deadlines — not just when apps were due/should be submitted, but also when I needed to send her essay drafts so we’d have sufficient time to go back and forth on editing essays. Having her help build this structure for me made the whole process way less daunting and more approachable.
Applying to business school is an overwhelming time, and Heidi always empathized with how I felt. I was also unsure of how I could possibly craft a “story” based on my background, and I really wasn’t sure how to form a narrative around my future goals, but Heidi was tremendously helpful in that regard, which made the process much more enjoyable and gave me clarity personally as well.
Heidi has a strong and up-to-date understanding of what different schools look for/care about in an application. Her understanding of individual schools also allowed her to provide her honest perspective about the pros/cons of programs based on my personality, interests, etc. I also loved that Heidi was part of the larger mbaMission organization, as I felt that I had access to other resources if necessary. For example, I was particularly concerned about the direction I’d taken in one of my essays and whether it “made sense” for a particular school. I fully trusted Heidi, but she also offered to share my essay with another mbaMission consultant — an expert in that particular school — who affirmed Heidi’s sentiments.
I applied to 4 schools – Booth, Ross, Wharton, and Sloan. Accepted to both Booth and Ross with merit scholarships + Forte Fellowships and will be attending Booth in the fall (my top choice all along, which Heidi was well aware of!). I interviewed at Wharton but was ultimately denied, and I didn’t receive an interview at Sloan.
I definitely recommend working with Heidi and mbaMission! Thank you, Heidi, for your time and guidance!
Coming from an industry where an MBA is not a common choice, I decided to rely on a consultant for my applications. I chose the 5 Schools package and I couldn’t be more satisfied with it. I met Gavriella the year before actually applying, but due to low GMAT scores (also suggested by her), I decided to postpone and worked further to improve it. When I got the score I needed, I was still convinced she was the perfect fit for me. As I started working with her, not only it became clear I was right, but I also discovered her pristine commitment to the process and to you in particular. She supported me from screening business schools to understanding really who I was. She really started digging into my life to get all the details and shades about me, and the deeper we went, the better I felt. We really had an amazing synergy and I felt I was motivated but at the same time pushed the right amount. We then started writing the essays (she really excels at it, I couldn’t have expected anything better) and processing all the background tasks the applications require. Applications can be overwhelming from time to time, but also in that case, she made me feel I had everything under control. When I felt short of time, she put down a timeline to track progress and missing steps, to be sure not to miss anything. She really went above and beyond. It was clear she really cared about me and did her best to support the journey, morally and professionally. Ultimately, I was admitted to two M7 schools and 4 schools out of 5 overall. I’m sure I couldn’t have done it without her.
Our Partner Sites: Poets&Quants for Execs | Poets&Quants for Undergrads | Tipping the Scales | We See Genius