mbaMission | MBA Admissions Consultants

“Congratulations! On behalf of the Admissions Committee at Wharton, it gives me great pleasure to inform you that you have been accepted to the Class of 2027.” This was the email I received when I opened my portal to see the admissions decisions.
Working with Devi Vallabhaneni was one of the best decisions and investments I made throughout my application journey. While there is much to say, my application journey with her can be broken into two crucial parts:

Part 1: Devi thoroughly researched my profile and helped me select the right program for the schools. She emphasized that applying to schools is not a one-size-fits-all approach. Age, experience, and career trajectory all play a critical role in determining the best fit, and Devi ensured that I made the strongest case possible and didn’t waste my first attempt, as applying second time to these schools could make my application seem less competitive.

Part 2: After our initial discussions, Devi helped me craft a compelling story for my application. She knows exactly how the admissions committee reviews applications during the selection process and what they’re looking for. Together, we brought those stories to life in the essays. We made sure the essays communicated what the committee behind the close doors wanted to hear—showcasing my experiences, aspirations, and strengths in a way that aligned perfectly with their values and expectations.
I applied to Wharton, and at the same time, I was working on applications for other top schools. Receiving the decision from Wharton was a thrilling moment, and I know that Devi’s support was integral to this success.

Just to end – Harvard, Stanford and Wharton are in their own leagues and these schools try their hardest to not let anyone in, so applicants really need someone to help craft those stories from their experiences. Her consulting is expensive but comes with a significant return on investment as having someone to guide that process can be the difference between an acceptance and a rejection. I am incredibly grateful for her guidance and highly recommend her services to anyone navigating the competitive world of business school admissions.

Coming from a non-traditional background, I went from knowing nothing about MBAs to getting into my top two programs (Tuck and Haas) all thanks to Kate. She provided excellent feedback that helped me refine my school choices, translate my experiences into effective essays, and prepare for my interviews. I cannot recommend Kate enough. Her support gave me the confidence to pursue a top MBA despite my lacking quant background.

Hi all! I am a healthcare investor / UChicago grad. I worked with Katy on my apps to HBS, GSB, and Wharton HCM. With Katy’s help (plus a lot of luck), I got into all 3. Katy was fantastic – (1) kept me on pace with timelines (particularly helpful if you’re working a busy job during app process), (2) thoughtful sounding board when fleshing out story, with acute understanding of what does vs. does not resonate with adcomms, and (3) super generous with time (never felt transactional), particularly helpful during interview prep. In addition, Katy is a lot of fun to work with / we became friends over 6+ month app journey. Would highly recommend to anyone serious about getting into their “dream schools”. Best of luck to everyone!

I worked with Devi to prepare for my HBS interview after working with another consultant on my applications. Devi had extensively researched my background and knew exactly what parts of my application to pressure test. Our session was serious, challenging, and intense resulting in targeted feedback to help me prepare for my actual HBS interview, which felt easy compared to the mock I completed with Devi. I was thrilled to be admitted and couldn’t recommend Devi enough to anyone receiving an interview invitation at HBS.

I work in finance in Asia. Got accepted to CBS and interviewed at HBS. As a shy person, I found it easy to build a connection with Katy – she was very open and encouraging, and accustomed to working with people from diverse backgrounds. She made sure I felt comfortable sharing my stories and fears with her and was always available to chat. I could not ask my current supervisor to write a reference for me, which was a main hurdle to my application. I discussed this matter with several consultants at the beginning, and Katy was the first to suggest I ask another mentor from work to be my recommender, which worked out great! MBA applications can be very stressful and full of uncertainty, but Katy, with her warmth and wisdom, made the whole process manageable and even enjoyable!

I truly appreciate the intensive interview session I had with Devi. She was strategic, highly experienced, and took the time to study my profile in depth before our mock interview. Her guidance helped me structure my responses more coherently, allowing my experiences to shine during the interview. As English is my second language, I sometimes tend to ramble, but Devi provided the structure I needed to ensure my answers were clear, insightful, and impactful. I also valued her straightforward approach and responsiveness in providing post-interview reflections. I highly recommend working with her for HBS interview preparation.

When I started the MBA application process, I had no idea how complex and time-consuming it would be. As a non-traditional applicant, I knew I needed to tie my story together and clearly articulate my post-MBA career goals. After doing extensive research on whether hiring a consultant was worth the investment and speaking with several top-rated consultants from Poets & Quants, I was initially hesitant. Consultants are expensive, and I wasn’t sure I’d get a strong return on investment. But from the moment I met Jen, all my doubts disappeared—I knew she was the right person to guide me through this journey.

I lacked confidence in my credentials, but Jen reaffirmed that I was a strong candidate. She helped me identify and highlight the unique elements of my story that made me stand out. Her guidance was invaluable, and she was always available to answer my (many) questions. Unlike some of my friends’ experiences with other consultants, who were unresponsive or slow to provide feedback, Jen was incredibly responsive and consistently delivered thoughtful feedback on my essays and application materials well before deadlines.

Jen’s support extended beyond essay editing. When I didn’t achieve my target GMAT score on my first attempt, she encouraged me to persevere and consider switching to the GRE. That encouragement was pivotal—I don’t think I could have overcome those challenges without her unwavering support.

What sets Jen apart is her human touch. She didn’t just see me as another applicant but as a unique individual, and she truly cared about my success and future. Her expertise in narrowing down my school list, refining my story, and navigating the application process was unparalleled.

The results speak for themselves. I applied to three schools (Haas, Ross, and Darden) and was admitted to all three, with scholarships ranging from $70,000 to $120,000. Jen was worth every penny, and I cannot recommend her enough. If you’re considering an MBA admissions consultant, you’ll be in the best hands with Jen!

I worked with Devi through a two-session HBS Intensive Interview Simulation, and it was nothing short of transformative. Devi is hands-down the best in the business. Not only does she recreate the rigor and unpredictability of the HBS interview, but also provides thoughtful feedback that’s in a league of its own. Devi listens to every answer with razor-sharp focus and provides substantive commentary that cuts to the heart of what you need to improve. Her ability to reframe my story and sharpen my responses made all the difference – and ultimately resulted in my admission to HBS!

The interview portion of the MBA application had always been my biggest fear. I have a tendency to ramble and struggled to explain my technical background with clarity. Devi took the time to understand my role and my team’s place in the organization, and challenged me to think deeper about the strategic impact of my work. Through some serious workshopping, Devi helped me present my story in a structured, concise manner and showed me how to convey mastery of my industry – a must for the HBS interview. Finally, despite her reputation as a tough coach, Devi was incredibly supportive, encouraging and kind – perhaps she sensed that’s what I needed to show up with confidence!

After two sessions, I was a completely different interviewee. The proof in the pudding was my interviewer’s compliments on my interview performance and ability to communicate clearly, saying I made complex topics so easy to follow! The skills I gained will stay with me far beyond this interview and I credit them entirely to Devi’s hands-on coaching. This experience was honestly invaluable for me – I cannot recommend Devi enough!!!

Devi is an absolute powerhouse when it comes to MBA interview preparation. She has an incredible ability to distill your unique story, refine your answers, and help you craft responses that seamlessly marry deep industry/technical expertise with higher level strategic thinking. Be ready for some tough love – her feedback is direct and honest, but it’s exactly what you need to identify areas of growth and workshop improvements.

Devi’s intimate knowledge of HBS’ unique interview style and her ability to simulate it in our 2 mock sessions made the real thing feel like a breeze! I was fortunate enough to benefit from Devi’s insights before my Stanford GSB and MIT Sloan interviews as well and was ultimately admitted to all 3 schools! Devi’s coaching transcended any single interview and fundamentally transformed the way I think about and answer questions in professional settings.

If you’re preparing for an HBS interview – or any MBA interview – I can’t recommend Devi enough. Investing in her coaching is one of the best decisions I made during the application process, and the skills I gained will serve me far beyond business school!

I cannot recommend Susan enough! Throughout my MBA application journey, she was more than just a consultant—she became a lifelong friend and trusted advisor. With her guidance, I was accepted into five incredible MBA programs, even though my GMAT score was slightly below average.

What truly sets Susan apart is her ability to deeply understand your story and help you convey it authentically and powerfully to admissions committees. She worked tirelessly with me to hone in on my narrative, ensuring that my applications reflected not only my accomplishments but also my unique passions and values.

The process of applying to business school can be overwhelming, but Susan removed so much of that anxiety. Her personalized approach and constant encouragement made the process feel manageable and even enjoyable. From strategizing early on to reviewing countless drafts of essays, she provided thoughtful and actionable feedback every step of the way.

Susan goes above and beyond in every aspect of the application process. Whether it was brainstorming essay ideas, preparing for interviews, or just being a sounding board when I needed reassurance, she was always there.

Thanks to Susan’s expertise and unwavering support, I’m heading to a top MBA program and feel confident about the journey ahead. If you’re looking for someone who will invest in you and truly elevate your MBA applications, look no further!

When I decided to pursue business school, I wanted to consult with an experienced expert about my chances at top schools before committing the next six months to studying for the GMAT. After thorough research, I found MBAmission to be the highest-rated company in this space. After watching Harshad’s introductory video, I felt confident he would be a great fit for me. A 30-minute introductory call with Harshad solidified my decision—he was confident that my low GPA wouldn’t be a major hindrance and helped me plan my next steps accordingly.

From the start, I was impressed by how much time Harshad took to understand my personal background and unique story. The background document he guided me through was essential in shaping my narrative. Before working with him, I had a rough idea of what I wanted to convey in my applications. However, Harshad helped me refine and structure those ideas into a compelling, cohesive story that clearly communicated why I was pursuing an MBA. He also helped me infuse a personal element into my post-MBA goals, which undoubtedly strengthened my applications.

When it came to crafting my essays, I truly appreciated Harshad’s candid feedback. His straightforwardness pushed me to think more deeply about my experiences and motivations. It was clear he was giving 100% effort to ensure my essays were as strong as possible. Additionally, he consistently returned my drafts ahead of schedule, which made the process much less stressful.

His mock interviews were invaluable. Harshad’s ability to simulate both conversational interviews and more formal ones (without the typical small talk) was second to none. I received interview invites from four first-round schools, and each of those interviews felt like a breeze thanks to the thorough preparation I had with Harshad.

Overall, I couldn’t be happier with the outcome. While hiring a consultant is an investment, I knew I needed expert guidance to overcome my low GPA and to help me navigate my relatively narrow school list. Harshad played a crucial role in my application process. In the end, I received first-round admits to Columbia Business School, Yale SOM, and Tuck, with one school still pending in round two. I highly recommend Harshad to anyone looking for a consultant who can craft a well-defined story, provide blunt and constructive feedback, and push you to exceed your limits in pursuit of your dream MBA admits.

I worked with Debbie on several M7 school applications and successfully secured multiple offers with scholarships. What I found most helpful is that Debbie has profound insights into the preferences of each top school. She helps you brainstorm unique stories highlighting your strengths while showcasing key qualities each school looks for in a candidate. Furthermore, she took care to preserve my authentic voice in essays. She is super experienced and has an encouraging and supportive work style.

After seeing her videos on YouTube, I knew I had to work with Devi to prepare for my HBS interview. Devi really pushed me to get my best stories across in an articulate, structured manner and challenged me to practice when my responses didn’t quite hit the mark. HBS interviews are traditionally 30 minutes, but during our last session together, Devi mock interviewed me for 50 minutes to build stamina. As a result of our preparation, the real interview was much more comfortable than our practice sessions and I was ultimately admitted to HBS! It’s clear Devi loves what she does and I strongly recommend working with Devi Vallabhaneni for your HBS interview prep.

I cannot recommend Harshad enough for MBA applications, especially for those with technical backgrounds. He was able to help me refine my application with guidance from start to finish that resulted in a R1 admission to HBS! His process was individual focused and ensured that he got to know me really well as a person before we even discussed my application, which helped him understand my core values and how I wanted to present myself. Coming from a tech background, I was unsure of how to present my experience to highlight my business acumen amongst the technical details. Having a technical background himself, Harshad was amazing at understanding the technical details and then helping condense the information into terms admission committees could appreciate.

When it came to the essays, Harshad is able to quickly identify the key points and help trim the unnecessary fat, to make sure each word of the essay is effectively utilized. His insightful advice helped me craft strong essays that precisely answered the prompt and allowed me to present myself in the best light.

Overall, the process of working with Harshad was incredibly positive. The turnaround time was consistently fast and he was always available to hop on a call to discuss in detail. He is supportive and honest, and I appreciated his no BS attitude. The support and advice Harshad provided was essential in helping me build a strong application and resulted in my getting into Harvard. Would highly, HIGHLY recommend Harshad if you want to create a strong application and get into an elite MBA program!

Nisha is truly one of a kind. I had spoken to two other consultants before Nisha and what made me decide to work with her was the way she was optimistic yet, always provided a sense of reality which was extremely refreshing. She is also a Michigan Ross alumnus (my dream school). I worked with her for three schools out of which, I was accepted into two of the schools with a scholarship. She helped me understand my goals on a deeper level by asking me questions that led me down a path of self-reflection and realization. This made me understand what I truly wanted and put my best self forward. There was no spoon feeding whatsoever. The final essays truly reflected myself – thanks to the clarity I received after our brainstorming sessions. Nisha is extremely kind, knowledgeable, encouraging and to the point. She is also very open to feedback and when there is something she does not know, she isn’t hesitant to admit it and get back to you later (which is very rare). The turnaround times were great, and it was a breeze working with her. All in all, choosing to work with Nisha has been the best decision I’ve made, and her services are worth the price point. You will not regret working with her.

Nisha, I cannot thank you enough for making my dream come true. You’re truly amazing!!

Working with Susan has been nothing short of life changing —and I mean that wholeheartedly. After two years of feeling lost in the MBA application process as an international EU student unfamiliar with its complexities, Susan illuminated the path-my path. She empowered me to believe in myself, own my narrative, and boldly tell my story.

With patience, candor, and an unwavering sense of purpose, she coached me into someone who stands taller, speaks with clarity, and believes in herself. From the initial brainstorming to the countless essay drafts and eventually, interview preparation, she provided unwavering support every step of the way. Thanks to her guidance, I was accepted into four top MBA programs—two with scholarships. Beyond admissions success, Susan has strengthened my sense of self-worth, deepened my sense of purpose, and sharpened my ability to drive meaningful change.

If you’re seeking an exceptionally smart, knowledgeable, and purpose-driven coach to guide you through the MBA journey, I cannot recommend her highly enough.

Susan was a pleasure to work with. She was candid about my candidacy at The University of Michigan Ross School of Business, and she helped me develop a great plan to eventually get accepted. As someone who made the decision later in life to pursue an MBA, I was a bit out of touch with what admissions counselors looked for in an applicant. Susan was really great at detailing the most effective way to develop my application narrative based on my education and professional history, and worked overtime to make sure I told that story in the best way possible. I was extremely happy with her service and would recommend her to anyone that wants to ensure they put their best foot forward.

Susan was an incredible partner throughout my MBA application journey. I started with a three-school package and later added a fourth school to my list. As an overrepresented finance applicant, I greatly benefited from Susan’s deep expertise and thoughtful guidance. She supported me at every step—from brainstorming essay ideas to perfecting my applications, preparing for interviews, and ultimately deciding which offer to accept. Her ability to highlight my unique experiences and present my story in a compelling way made all the difference. Susan’s dedication and responsiveness were remarkable, and I’m incredibly grateful for her help. Highly recommend!

Susan is the best – I had a complicated story that needed to be told with nuance, and she helped me craft a really compelling narrative for my admissions essays in just a few weeks. She was also incredibly emotionally supportive as I was dealing with some stressful circumstances in the background during my applications. She genuinely cares about her clients, and even after I got my acceptances, she was eager to help me think through the pros / cons of each program.

I worked with Susan on my MBA applications and could not be more grateful for all her help throughout the process!

Susan consistently went above and beyond in providing thought-provoking reviews of my application materials, meaningful feedback, and practice in interview prep. Even more, she was always a friendly and supportive mentor that I could rely on throughout the process when faced with personal dilemmas and family crises. Susan’s support helped me to fully understand exactly why each program was a fit for me so that it became easy to convey a genuine and compelling message. Even after being accepted with generous support from schools, Susan continued to go above and beyond of her own accord in connecting me with students who had similar experiences deciding between these programs.

For anyone considering whether an MBA admissions consultant is the right choice for you, I would highly recommend Susan!

Susan had all the institutional knowledge one would need for the MBA process but paired it with a relaxed and calm demeanor. She was always extremely quick to get back to me with any and all questions I had and was instrumental in helping me craft my story for the various essays.

I could not recommend her enough.

Devi is absolutely phenomenal and was instrumental in getting admitted into my dream school – Columbia! As a cherry on top of it all, I was also admitted into Wharton. Anyone who is serious about applying for a top, competitive MBA program should work with Devi. With her background and depth of experience, she was able to elicit the core message of my story to help me articulate it eloquently given each school’s essay parameters. Since I booked the all-inclusive school package, Devi also helped me fine tune my resume so that the information in my resume and essays did not overlap, and instead worked in tandem to effectively portray my full story. She also helped me prepare for interviews, guiding me on how to articulate responses efficiently and naturally.

Devi’s amazing achievements is also a result of tough love – she is bluntly honest about areas of improvement. I adore this working style as it’s to the point and helps me hone in immediately on what I need to refine. This, in addition to her commitment to her clients and excellence, is exactly why she is so successful and can help those she works with get admitted into their dream programs.

I highly recommend working with Devi!!

I had an absolutely incredible experience working with Debbie! I went into the MBA applications process with very little confidence and a lot of fear given my undergraduate admission experience. I had intro sessions with a few potential counselors, but after my session with Debbie, I knew she was the one I wanted to work with. I was drawn to Debbie’s positive attitude, calmness, and pursuit of excellence. Although the price seems high, Debbie, and the structure of the mbaMission package, quickly helped me gain the confidence back and kept me on track.
I worked on 3 schools with Debbie. Debbie knows how to identify what makes you stand out as an applicant and is extremely effective in helping translate that into your essays. She is kind, understanding, intelligent, and knows exactly what each school is looking for in their candidates. For each school, Debbie gave me highly effective and practical feedback with very impressive turnaround time. As someone who is very detail oriented, I asked so many questions and refined my work often — Debbie guided me on every single part of each application and answered every single question right up until I hit submit. She helped me find my voice and craft applications that conveyed my best story, where I didn’t even think I had one.
I was not expecting any scholarships, but received a full scholarship from NYU Stern and $50,000 a year at CBS which was my top school. This, on top of the peace of mind that working with Debbie gave me, was well worth the price. I attribute much of this success to Debbie’s guidance and can’t emphasize enough how much I recommend her as a counselor. I felt like she was genuinely invested in my journey and was routing for me along the way!

Devi Vallabhaneni was a game-changer in my MBA application journey. Coming from a consulting background with 4 years of experience, I initially struggled to piece together my diverse experiences into a strong, cohesive story. What stood out about Devi was her approach—she never spoon-fed answers but instead asked thought-provoking questions that helped me reflect deeply and come to my own realisations. She challenged me to think differently and showcase my unique strengths in ways I hadn’t considered before.

Her feedback on my essays was incredibly helpful, always detailed and insightful, yet she ensured that the final product remained true to my voice. Devi also guided me in choosing the right referees, helping me understand how their recommendations could add depth and balance to my application. Her tailored support made the entire process feel personal and much more manageable.

Thanks to her guidance, I secured a place at Wharton and gained a much clearer understanding of my goals and strengths. I’d wholeheartedly recommend Devi to anyone looking for an MBA consultant who is thoughtful, strategic, and genuinely invested in your success.

Working with Devi was truly life-changing. When I received my interview invitation from HBS, I immediately signed up for five sessions because I struggled to articulate my story and needed more practice. My initial practice interview was far from ideal. However, from our very first call, Devi recognized how to reframe my narrative, helping me find clarity, confidence, and purpose.

Devi did more than simply coach me—she pushed me to operate at the absolute peak of my abilities, all while staying genuine in everything I did. She prepared me not only as an MBA applicant but also as an aspiring business leader. I learned so much from her, both about HBS and about myself. Her mock interviews were tough, but they gave me the confidence I needed for the real thing.

This journey to HBS wasn’t easy—if anything, it was tougher than most—but Devi’s unwavering belief in me, combined with her exceptional coaching skills, gave me the resilience to overcome every hurdle. She truly cares about her clients and takes the time to understand their unique challenges, offering kindness, dedication, and passion in every session.

I’m so grateful that I met her before beginning my journey at Harvard Business School, because she prepared me to be the kind of business leader who can change the world. Without Devi, I doubt I could have realized my dream of admission to HBS. I’m excited to know her as a true partner, well beyond just a client-coach relationship, and I will definitely invite her to my MBA graduation so we can celebrate this milestone together—because she did so much for me. If you want someone who will transform your application process and strengthen your leadership/bussiness mindset, Devi is the person you’ve been looking for.

I wholeheartedly give her a 10/10.

I started the application very late and came with aggressive goals. Although it was like an mission impossible, Michael still commited to help me as much as he can. In deed Michael worked really hard for my tight schedule and selective picks (only two). He was patient, detail focused and experienced. In the end, we were able to catch the two first-round deadlines; I received two interviews from top programs, and one was admitted.

Devi helped me get into my top choice. Thanks to her extensive experience, she has a well-established process with clear milestones that helped me stay on schedule during a hectic application process. I felt her greatest strength was that she was unafraid to be direct in her feedback on my application materials – I never felt like she was sugarcoating anything . She obviously knows what it takes to get into HBS and told me very clearly when my work did not reach that standard. This was the #1 trait I was searching for in a consultant and she delivered. Nevertheless, I always felt like I could express my opinions, and she was equally as supportive during moments I wasn’t feeling confident.

I did several HBS interview intensives with Devi which were invaluable, again thanks to (a) her extensive experience as a former HBS interviewer and (b) her willingness to provide direct, candid feedback. I felt completely prepared and confident heading into the interview.

Devi was also efficient, flexible, and effective at handling several unexpected developments that occurred throughout my application process.

I’d highly recommend Devi to applicants, especially those with a strong interest in HBS.

I cannot recommend Devi enough. From brainstorming to interview prep, Devi was efficient yet patient at the same time.

During essay writing, I really appreciated her ability to help me bring my stories to life. She is so good at digging deeper and finding specific details that I didn’t even realize. She truly invests in her students, and it is evident through the iterations we went through for each of the essays. She doesn’t settle, and I respect that. She strives for perfection. Although we were working a lot, we still managed to finish well in advance of deadlines to allow for ample time for review.

For my HBS interview, she did a great job simulating what I would expect on game day. The prep session definitely kept me on my toes, but I wouldn’t want it any other way. Through the intensive prep, I felt very confident going into the real thing.

Most of all, people will inevitably be nervous or anxious throughout the process. I was no exception. Devi did her best to calm my nerves and keep my head focused. It’s super important to not overthink and stay true to yourself. I’m happy she kept me on the right path.
All in all, she is the best. She truly helped me on my journey to HBS, and I cannot thank her enough!

I was referred to Devi by a friend and HBS student, and I am so glad we were connected. From the school list creation to the essay brainstorming to the writing and then the interviews, Devi was fully engaged and thoughtful from start to finish.

More importantly, Devi does a great job of figuring out what her clients need at each moment. There were times when Devi was actively encouraging me when I was stressed about the process, but there were equally important times when Devi was very tough on me to push me to be my very best. This, I believe, was the key to helping me earn my acceptance to HBS.

The most impactful (yet difficult!) part of the process was preparing for the HBS interview. I struggled to communicate some of my story in a succinct manner. Devi clocked that right away and was direct in her feedback. While it is always difficult to receive that feedback especially after independently prepping, Devi was correct and I knew it. Because of her ability to directly communicate her feedback, I was able to course correct ahead of the interview, complete a more productive mock interview session with her, and go into my interview with far more confidence.

Thank you, Devi, for all your support and mentorship throughout the process. Not only did it help me put forward a more compelling application, but it also helped me learn how to more effectively communicate and reflect, skills that will be important during and after my time at HBS.

As I studied for my GMAT, I often lurked on Reddit and P&Q to read up on consultant reviews. But the decision couldn’t have been more challenging when the time came. After talking to 7-8 consultants, I couldn’t find a fit with anyone. Some would often sell themselves, while others would try to sell me dreams. So, I decided to talk to more consultants. This is when I stumbled upon Harshad. An individual who was genuinely interested in my story rather than trying to sell me his services. So much so that after talking to consultants for over 2 weeks, I decided to work with Harshad the same day I spoke to him.
One thing was obvious: Harshad mentioned he is “very direct,” and he means it. He understands that time is of the essence in MBA applications, so there is no time to beat around the bush.
The process was straightforward. Brainstorming sessions, school selection, Resume, essays, interviews, etc…
While looking for a consultant, I also assessed the “firm” they worked for. This became obvious when Harshad sent me the Brainstorming document to fill out. Mbamission’s brainstorming document is long, but filling it out in its entirety allowed Harshad to really get to know me. This made our essay discussions easier because all of my stories were laid out, and Harshad could pinpoint exactly how I could approach the essays.
Things weren’t always easy. Initially, I thought that I had hired a consultant, and with his guidance, I had written my essays, and my job was done. Harshad put a stop to this in our very first essay. What I had written was nowhere close to what we had discussed. He was “direct” in his approach and quick to get on a call to re-discuss, just in case I had missed any details in our initial essay call. It again became evident that Harshad wasn’t willing to settle for less. Even if it meant additional time and resources, he went above and beyond for me to craft the best essays possible.
I also liked Harshad’s “one-school” at a time approach. With 2 months to go for app deadlines, I was wary of this and thought I couldn’t submit it on time. However, he assured me that we would meet the timeline, and we did. The time we invested in our initial essays on one school, made it easier for us on the subsequent schools.
After submitting my applications, Harshad suggested I get some rest, but the job wasn’t done. Slowly, the interviews trickled in, and Harshad quickly set up mock interviews, provided resources on Mbamission’s Ontrack, and assured me I was in the best place possible during my interviews. I enjoyed Harshad’s mock interviews because he threw hard questions at me, ensuring I could think on my feet.
From the interviews to the decisions, Harshad checked in often to ensure I was doing well. He even took the time to check in on my parents during our regular essay calls, showing genuine care and understanding of the personal challenges I had shared about their health. While he is undoubtedly direct and professional, he has a very high emotional intelligence.
I knew hiring a consultant was expensive, but I couldn’t have been happier with my decision to work with Harshad. With Harshad’s help, I was admitted to Yale (with a 50% scholarship), Tuck (with a 50% scholarship), and Darden.
Also, a special shoutout to Jen (also from the mbaMission team), who connected me with Harshad!

Devi Vallabhaneni was a game-changer in my MBA application journey. Coming from a consulting background with 4 years of experience, I initially struggled to piece together my diverse experiences into a strong, cohesive story. What stood out about Devi was her approach—she never spoon-fed answers but instead asked thought-provoking questions that helped me reflect deeply and come to my own realisations. She challenged me to think differently and showcase my unique strengths in ways I hadn’t considered before.

Her feedback on my essays was incredibly helpful, always detailed and insightful, yet she ensured that the final product remained true to my voice. Devi also guided me in choosing the right referees, helping me understand how their recommendations could add depth and balance to my application. Her tailored support made the entire process feel personal and much more manageable.

Thanks to her guidance, I secured a place at Wharton and gained a much clearer understanding of my goals and strengths. I’d wholeheartedly recommend Devi to anyone looking for an MBA consultant who is thoughtful, strategic, and genuinely invested in your success.

I am a straight Asian male in finance. I am also a triple HSW interviewee who committed to the Stanford GSB Class of 2027 this week. Katharine Lewis is the bridge between those two statements.

When I started my MBA journey, I was intensely focused on finding “the best” MBA consultant to work with. Having heard stories about nightmare consultant experiences from other friends, I compiled a list of the Top 25 consultants I could find and “interviewed” most of them. Katy stood out as the singular consultant who best understood my story, allayed my fears around being an “ORM” candidate (what a ridiculous term), and had the most outstanding reviews. I hope to add this review to her existing pool of glowing testimonials – there is no doubt in my mind that I made the right choice. She is simply #1.

When we first began our essay writing process, I brainstormed and essentially sent her my life biography. While others might have balked at such a large amount of information, Katy simply took it in stride and read the entire thing. During our first session (she even met me in person), she sat down and immediately said, “What stood out to me was XXX theme.” At the risk of sounding cheesy, I heard her suggestion, which I hadn’t thought about myself, and it instantly resonated with me. I stuck with this essay topic for all three school applications, and the results speak for themselves. Just this session alone would’ve been worth the money.

During the actual application process (3 months this summer), I interacted with Katy more than any other human being. By all accounts, I was probably a nightmare client, filled with constant anxiety, self-doubt, and indecisiveness. Through my daily questions, pings, calls, and late submissions, Katy was my emotional bedrock of calmness, strategic advice, and brutal honesty. Katy brooked no bullshit – as a coach, she had a really good sense for when to light a fire under my ass and manage ME, and when to scale back to be patient and understanding. Her advice and edits were always thoughtful and value-additive, without feeling like they were stripping me of my own voice. It was clear she spent real time thinking through my questions and my work, never just offering cursory and generic platitudes.

The day of the Stanford submission deadline, I still had one entire short essay to write that I hadn’t touched. I finished a draft that morning and sent it to Katy, well after our agreed upon final review deadlines. If she had ignored me, I would’ve understood. It was my fault we were in this position to begin with. Instead, Katy spent the entire morning and afternoon iterating with me on this final essay. I submitted my final application at 3:59PM, one minute before the deadline. Katy believed in me when I didn’t even believe in myself. She never wavered in her commitment, even up until literally the last minute. I never once questioned that she was genuinely rooting for my success, well beyond the call of duty.

Then came the interviews – Katy prepared custom mock interviews for each of my three schools. Her mock questions probably covered 75%+ of the actual questions I was asked in each interview. I felt well prepared and confident stepping into the real things. When my decisions came out, Katy was my first call, even before my family and my friends. She was with me through thick and thin, and my successes were just as much hers as they were mine.

Katy is a not an essay copyeditor (although she is good at that too). She is so much more – a strategic advisor, an expert storyteller, a life coach, a therapist, and a friend. Deciding to work with Katy was easily one of the best decisions I made during my MBA process. Coming from someone who was deeply suspicious of paying for MBA consulting, I can tell you that Katy’s services were worth every penny – I could not possibly give a higher recommendation. I simply couldn’t have done it without her.

Katharine Lewis is the Stanford of MBA Admissions Consulting.

I worked with Michael Guttman at MBA Mission to prepare MBA applications and he was excellent in every dimension. Michael is very experienced, responsive, and knows how to highlight your unique strengths in applications so you are a standout candidate beyond the numbers (ex. GPA, Test Score). MBA Mission also has a lot of excellent resources that he is able to share with you to read in advance of working with him. The cost is absolutely worth it. At the end of the process I got into my top school (Wharton) which I was thrilled with. I’d highly recommend working with Michael Guttman at MBA Mission.

I was working with another consultant when I got my interview invite to HBS. I had heard about Devi’s interview prep package (and her incredible reputation), but I hesitated because of the price. After some reflection, I decided to invest in two sessions with her – I wanted to do everything I could to show up as my best self. Those sessions ended up exceeding my expectations.

To be honest, I was worried I’d leave feeling discouraged because I didn’t feel fully prepared going in. However, Devi was incredibly candid while staying so human and supportive. She didn’t just point out where I needed to improve; she gave me clear, actionable advice to actually get better. Her advice was practical and easy to implement, which made all the difference. By the end of our second session, I found myself wishing Devi could be my business coach for life.

The whole experience didn’t just prepare me for HBS and other top MBA interviews – it genuinely helped me grow as a communicator in business settings. I truly believe that working with Devi made a meaningful difference in my preparation and overall experience, and I couldn’t recommend her enough.

I’ve had the privilege of working with Susan on multiple occasions and across several professional milestones, starting with my admissions process for Wharton, where I am currently an MBA student. From the very beginning, she demonstrated an exceptional ability to understand my individual strengths, clarify my goals, and pinpoint precisely what admissions committees look for. The insights and support she provided were truly invaluable, ensuring that my application was both authentic and compelling.

But Susan’s impact went far beyond that initial admissions guidance. Even after I secured my place at Wharton, I turned to her again for overall career advice and later, for support in applying to a competitive venture capital fellowship in health tech. In each instance, she not only offered strategic guidance but also helped me refine my personal narrative, articulate my value proposition, and navigate the often complex world of professional development.

What stands out most is that my relationship with Susan never felt limited to a single project. We’ve stayed in touch long after my applications were submitted and deadlines passed, and I continue to benefit from her perspective and mentorship. This long-term connection has become a valuable resource—she’s someone who really understands my evolving career path and can offer thoughtful guidance at every new juncture.

Working with Susan has been an investment in my future. She’s proven herself to be not only an extraordinary admissions advisor, but also a trusted mentor and champion, genuinely invested in my success. I’m immensely grateful for her support and can confidently recommend her to anyone seeking guidance through high-stakes admissions, career transitions, or new professional opportunities.

I was rejected by multiple schools last year. While many other consultants were hesitant to take me this year, Katy took a full, detailed analysis of my profile in the first consultation, and saw my potential in reapplying. We together built a strong package this year which got me admitted to GSB, Wharton, and Sloan all in Round 1, thanks to her effective coaching and feedback on every single detail of my application – including many tips and tricks you won’t find online, not even from other consultants who were ex-admission officers. Katy is the best!

Working with Debbie Choy has been a transformative experience. As a reapplicant to HBS, I was overwhelmed by the challenge of crafting a compelling narrative to convince the admissions team of my fit. Debbie’s expertise, dedication, and strategic insights turned what seemed like an uphill battle into a rewarding journey. She has an extraordinary ability to uncover and highlight the unique elements of your story, presenting them in a way that is authentic and impactful.

Throughout the process, Debbie was not just an advisor but a true partner. Her guidance on essays, interviews, and every nuanced part of the application was invaluable. She offered constructive feedback while respecting my voice and vision. Beyond her skills, her genuine encouragement and unwavering belief in me were game-changing, especially during moments of self-doubt. Thanks to her, I achieved my dream of being accepted to HBS.

I wholeheartedly recommend Debbie to anyone seeking an admissions consultant. Her expertise, warmth, and commitment are unparalleled, and she will bring out the best in you.

I decided to apply to business school a little later in life than (I believe) most people do. Having started to work full time early on, in the industry I have always been passionate about, I had never heard of MBA programs until I decided to make a career change. The chance of potentially studying in a top business program was a tangible path moving forward and I decided to dive in. As an international applicant with a non-traditional background, I realized I needed support along the application process if I wanted to improve my chances of success – that is when I crossed paths with mbaMission and Julie-Anne.

From the very start, Julie-Anne shared plenty of useful insights in terms of establishing a reasonable and efficient timeline for getting things ready to submit applications. As we started working on my resume, she was able to articulate feedbacks in a candid and effective way, ensuring there was always improvement after each interaction between the two of us. However, she helped me the MOST (yes, it was a lot of help) with my essays. After going through a couple of brainstorming sessions, she was able to identify specific situations and examples to be used in my essays which I would have never been able to identify by myself. After pointing me out in the right direction, she supported me with actionable feedback in every draft along the way, helping me hone each essay based on the specific prompts of each school. After the essays were ready, we worked together on short answers, and the other parts of the application process.

In my opinion, Julie-Anne’s support was instrumental to my success during application season. I applied to 6 of the M7 schools in R1, and have just accepted an offer from one of them.

Applying to business school can be an overwhelming and stressful process, but with Kate Richardson, I felt like I was in safe hands every step of the way. I applied to five schools in Round 1, and Kate’s guidance and expertise were instrumental in crafting my strongest possible applications.

Kate went above and beyond in helping me think through my school strategy and research, ensuring that my choices aligned with my goals and aspirations. Her sharp eye and deft editing hand refined multiple essay drafts, ensuring they were polished, compelling, and authentic to my story. Additionally, her mock interviews were invaluable in sharpening my answers and giving me confidence for the real thing.

What stood out most was Kate’s patience, professionalism, and incredible thought partnership. She has a way of making the daunting application process feel approachable, even enjoyable. I couldn’t have done this without her, and I wholeheartedly recommend her to anyone looking to elevate their MBA applications.

Working with Devi was great; she was instrumental in crafting my applications, where we ultimately secured admission at HBS. She was supportive when needed, critical when warranted, and always thoughtful. She’s surgical. If you are looking for an expert with a well-oiled process, Devi is the person. Thinking back on the application, I’d bucket it into three parts: preparation, writing, interviewing.

Preparation: Entailed working through standardized testing, ensuring diversity of work experiences, and putting together projects as needed to round out your candidate picture. Devi checked in regularly to make sure I was on track and opined on what projects she thought would be most high impact / worth prioritizing. Her opinions were very helpful, and she was able to discern what an admissions committee would find most interesting. I thought this ability to help focus my time was incredibly helpful.

Writing: This was the bulk of our work together. We did extensive brainstorming and ideating ahead of writing. Devi was very structured; she clearly has her methodology down and it is extremely thorough. This rigor helped distill the essence of “me”… which is the hardest part for any candidate. We were able to efficiently cut through the noise and package various aspects of my life into coherent stories. Moreover, after doing that, we were able to take a step back and refine the key themes. Throughout this entire process, Devi was thoughtful and honest, recognizing where I might need more prodding and where perhaps there was an angle we had not explored. Great turnaround time and always thoughtful in her comments, Devi was instrumental in crafting these essays. She also understands her clients well, and tailors her approach to evoke your best work.

Interviews: Again, her process here was spot on. Throughout our prep, she instilled in me a flexible framework to respond to their answers, such that my responses were coherent and impactful. We discussed the key ideas that needed to come across, and practiced the stories that would best deliver those. A pro here, she helped me verbalize my experiences and simply convey my experiences and goals.

Overall, she was great, and her process will set you up for success.

I purchased 2 sessions with Devi to prep for my HBS interview (outside of working with my primary consultant, Katherine Lewis, who is also fantastic). While I had interviewed with the GSB before meeting with Devi (and therefore felt like I was fairly prepped already), Devi took my (1) overall story, (2) quality of responses, and (3) general confidence to a whole new level. The first session was intense – after a 30 min. mock interview, Devi broke down / dissected each response and pushed me to answer questions directly and be more succinct. She is quite blunt. Devi gave very prescriptive homework, which I appreciated and took to heart. The second session was a whole new ball game, with another mock and final guidance. I was much more authentic and direct in my responses, and I came away from the session with newfound confidence (which I’d argue is the most important factor going into the interview). When I went to HBS to interview, I knew I had done everything in my power to succeed, which is a powerful thing to know. I owe a lot of that to the time spent with Devi. And for what it is worth, I also interviewed with Wharton after HBS – this required minimal incremental prep because of all the good work I had put in with Devi. I ended up getting into all three schools.

While there is a lot of luck in this entire process, I came away from the experience being reminded that all you can do is put your best foot forward and control what you can control – in this case, it was putting in the extra work with Devi and being incredibly disciplined in my prep. I would recommend Devi to anyone who is seriously determined to get into HBS.

I worked with Devi for 2 intensive HBS interview prep sessions and she was instrumental in me receiving an offer in R1! Devi pushed me to think about my narrative more clearly and directed me to frame my personal and professional story in a way that could more effectively resonate with the interviewer. As a former interviewer, Devi clearly understands the structure and goals of the HBS interview, as several of the questions she asked during our mock interview came up in my actual interview. This speaks volumes to the preparation Devi puts into reviewing my application ahead of our sessions together and I truly believe it is a worthwhile investment if you are looking to get HBS interview coaching! Many thanks again Devi!

Julie-Anne was incredibly helpful from start to finish and I could not be more grateful to have had her help through my application process. I was admitted to HBS in R1 with her help, which was my dream outcome.

What I’m most grateful for is her no B/S type of attitude. I naturally struggle with writing, so I needed her to tell me straight up when my essay was headed in the wrong direction or came off differently than I intended it.
She was readily available throughout my application process, which was super helpful when I was in the deepest part of my writing process and needed to talk out my ideas with someone. She also gave me great tips for my interview process, which gave me the confidence to know I was fully prepared walking into my interview.

I would recommend her to anyone applying to business school.

If you want the short version, Harshad is the best! You should absolutely hire him if you are serious about wanting to be accepted to a top MBA program!
If you want the long version, please read on. When I made the decision to apply to business schools, my target schools were very ambitious. I wanted to be accepted to a program that could be truly life changing. I was mainly targeting M7 programs and was not even considering any MBA programs outside of the top 25. I come from a nontraditional background and knew that seeking the help of an admissions consultant was likely the best way for me to craft the best applications possible. During my initial consultations with several other consultants, they expressed concern about the programs that I was targeting – then I had my consultation with Harshad. I remember asking Harshad, “Which school’s application is your favorite?” He responded, “I like helping people with applications for schools that are difficult to get into.” At that point, I knew I had found the right person. I was confident that Harshad was going to push me and give me the best chance to help me achieve my lofty goal. Throughout the application process, Harshad was structured and efficient, but also very personable and kind. Harshad’s engineering background came across in the best way when I worked with him. The way he approached topics and explained information was very structured, which made it easy to follow. I found this structure extremely valuable when I felt overwhelmed by the application process (which was frequent). Harshad was also very efficient, always providing essay feedback on time or early. I appreciated this aspect increasingly as the application deadlines drew closer. Lastly, Harshad is just a great person. I felt that he truly wanted me to succeed. Whenever I felt stuck, Harshad would offer to hop on a brainstorming call with me to get the ball rolling again. He helped me recall stories from my life that shaped who I am. His essay feedback was very insightful and actionable. Harshad also had a knack for helping me trim my essays down to fit within the word count limits. When I received invitations to interview, Harshad helped me prepare by walking me through a plan for how to navigate them. Once the dust had settled, I was accepted to an M7 program with full tuition! I feel truly humbled by this incredible opportunity and feel that Harshad played a big role in my success. If you want your wildest MBA dreams to come true, I believe that Harshad is the best person to help you do that.
P.S. If you enjoy sports, Harshad is a former athlete and has a very interesting sports background.

tl;dr – Highly recommend! Go for it if you have at least a month to your application deadlines!

I had applied to one MBA school in R-3 last year – I had no idea how to navigate the process. I reached out to a few consultants who charged exorbitant fees and the one i went with, added little to no value to my application, and (unsurprisingly), I was rejected from that school. Granted, my previous application was rushed, I started early this year and purchased onTrack in June.

Having gone through the course, I feel three to six months before the application deadlines is the ideal timeframe to engage with this course and see good results. While the previous application was extremely stressful for me, this time, with onTrack, it was a much more pleasant experience. The course’s structure, content, and Jeremy’s professional delivery made the application process really enjoyable!

I rate the course highly because:

1. The course covered absolutely everything I could have asked for, comprehensively. From researching programs to writing quality essays, it included individual modules on T15 schools and even showed how to approach the short answers strategically.

2. The Resume module particularly exceptional and incredibly helpful!

3. The course provided top-notch sample essays, including before and after versions, and Jeremy talked through them, showing what works and what doesn’t. This method for essay writing was outstanding – it covered what to avoid, methodologies, and common pitfalls.

Is the course a replacement for a dedicated MBA admissions consultant? I’d say if one can pair this course with hiring a consultant on an hourly basis for a few hours, that would be optimal. The consultant could help identify any glaring mistakes, but largely, if you follow the course instructions diligently, your application is likely to be strong.

To conclude – is the course worth the time, effort, and price? Absolutely, without a doubt. Caveat : One needs to be prepared to invest at least a bare minimum of one to two months of dedicated effort (with 3-6 months being optimal imo) to the process and this course. This is probably not the right fit for those seeking a last-minute solution.

I worked with Nisha for my Round 1 application at an M7 school. After speaking with several consultants, I ultimately chose Nisha and am very glad I did. As it was my first time working with an MBA consultant, I opted for hourly services, choosing the 5-hour package. This ended up being just the perfect amount of time for me, but depending on your situation, you have the flexibility to choose a plan that fits your needs/budget.

From the start, I was very impressed with Nisha’s dedication and professionalism: she was very responsive to my questions and gave very quick turnarounds on all my requests. Most importantly, she took the time to really listen and understand my story, providing tailored advice to highlight my unique strengths and accomplishments, as opposed to a generic approach. What I found most valuable was that she was able to ask the right questions to get me to reflect on my experiences and articulate my intrinsic motivations behind pursuing an MBA. I believe this extra level of thoughtfulness and depth in my essays meaningfully elevated the quality of my application. Lastly, she is very knowledgeable and detail oriented, so I always had the peace of mind of not worrying about having overlooked anything.

Overall, my experience with Nisha and mbaMission as a whole (a lot of great free resources on their website as well) has been amazing. If you’re on the fence about getting an MBA consultant, I highly recommend reaching out to Nisha for a consultation!

Ever since the start, I could tell that Nisha was extremely well prepared and detail-oriented. In fact, this first struck me during our introductory call when she was already asking me intricate questions about my education and work history — the wheels were turning even then during our free 30-minute call!

In the months that we worked together, Nisha fully engrossed herself into my applicant profile, helping me generate a compelling narrative about my candidacy and why I needed each particular school’s help to advance my career, and what I’d contribute during my time there. By the end of it all, I felt that she knew me better than I knew myself!

Her insistence on specific details in each of my essays for each of my target programs not only helped me become a stronger writer, but also demonstrated to admissions committee members why I was a candidate that they could not pass up. At the end of it all, I got admitted to all three schools that Nisha and I worked on, and I know this certainly wouldn’t have been possible without her guidance along the way. The investment in Nisha paid off as I recouped that fee several times over in scholarship amounts.

If you’re seeking to elevate your applications by bringing together the disparate parts of your education, career, and extracurriculars, and synthesize them into one cohesive narrative easily digestible for admissions committee members, you must have Nisha alongside you. Do so and you will certainly be putting your best foot forward.

I had the pleasure of working with Debbie on my MIT Sloan Round 1 application, and I couldn’t be happier with the experience. From the very beginning, she took the time to understand my unique background, goals, and challenges in depth. One of the most valuable aspects of working with Debbie was how she helped me uncover the standout elements of my story, which gave me the confidence to present myself authentically and effectively.
I initially found the MBA application process to be quite daunting, but Debbie’s expertise and encouragement kept me focused and on track. Her thoughtful feedback helped me craft a cohesive application where every component contributed to a compelling narrative. Debbie also went beyond generic advice by tailoring her guidance to my profile, ensuring that my application aligned perfectly with Sloan’s values and expectations.
Debbie’s personalized approach, insightful feedback, and unwavering support were instrumental in my success, and I wholeheartedly recommend her to anyone navigating the MBA application journey.

Working with Julie-Anne was amazing. I was looking to advance in my current industry through a MBA, with 2 YOE & a 325 GRE. She is very blunt with her feedback and does not sugar coat things, which is what I wanted. But she is also very encouraging & walks alongside you on the journey of the application process. The difference in my essay’s first draft and final draft was night & day due to her expertise on each school individually. She is worth the money.

I applied to one of HSW schools, coming from a consulting and PE/VC background. I was coming from a challenging demographic with a lot of applicants like myself (not URM, working in Finance, etc). I had the GMAT out of the way but really needed to focus on essays. I had a friend who had worked with Julie-Anne last year and had a very successful outcome on his/her HSW applications.

Overall, Julie-Anne was very helpful in brainstorming my potential stories, building out ideas, iterating on them, organizing ideas into short stories vs. main essay, etc. I applied in undergrad with a similar story and was rejected, but likely got in this time because we presented it in a different way. Brainstorming my entire background with Julie-Anne was super helpful during my application.

She has very strong inside knowledge of how MBA admissions work – knowledge you don’t have applying by yourself. That insight can help guide how to craft your stories and is definitely a value add. Her program has organized milestones and a process built around ushering you through an application, which helps a lot, particularly if you are juggling applying outside of your day job.

Julie-Anne (and an admissions consultant in general) is a worthy investment if you’re sure on business school. Those dollars spent will pay dividends down the road.