mbaMission | MBA Admissions Consultants

Rachel is the epitome of what you want in a business school advisor. She takes the time to get to know you and your story so that she can truly approach your application process as a unique applicant, rather than just provide general help. She was instrumental in helping me define my goals and how to put my best foot forward for each of the schools I applied to. She came up with ideas that I could not even imagine, and was able to turn my weaknesses into strengths that were authentic to me and my story. Rachel knows what these schools are looking for and how to get their attention – she provides tangible advice and guidance and made an incredibly stressful process a smooth one. I was incredibly proud of all the applications I submitted as Rachel was there to help me from Step 1 to submission – answering every “stupid” question along the way to make sure I felt as confident as possible. When it came to the interviews, Rachel prepped each and every one with me – making sure I was in the best position possible to do a great job and vetting my interview answers to make sure they resonated. I ended up getting into 3 of the M7 schools with scholarship offers at 2 of them, none of which would be possible without Rachel, and am ending up at my dream school, Wharton – all thanks to her help! You would be silly not to use her!!!

When I began my MBA journey, I was filled with uncertainty. I had a vague idea of my post-MBA goals, but I struggled to connect my past experiences to a compelling narrative. On top of that, I was unsure which schools were the right fit for me and how to navigate the complex application landscape.

That’s where Jessica came in. After speaking with more than 10 consultants, I immediately knew she was the one after our first call. Jessica’s energy, genuine interest in my story, and deep knowledge of the U.S. MBA landscape reassured me that I was in the right hands. Without hesitation, I decided to work with her—and it was the best decision I made.

From day one, Jessica took the time to deeply understand my personal and professional background, career aspirations, and even my family values. She seamlessly wove all of these elements into my MBA applications, creating a cohesive and compelling narrative. Her expertise in storytelling was invaluable—reading my final applications, I could clearly see the impact she had in helping me craft a powerful and authentic story.

Beyond her professional guidance, Jessica provided unwavering emotional support. The MBA application process is grueling, especially when applying to multiple schools. She consistently reminded me to trust the process, keeping me motivated and focused.

Thanks to Jessica, I was accepted into Columbia Business School—one of my dream schools from the very beginning. If you’re about to embark on your MBA journey, look no further than Jessica. She is truly a game-changer.

Jessica was an incredible partner throughout my MBA application journey. She was fully involved in every step, helping me deeply reflect on my personal and professional experiences. This not only led to strong, compelling essays but also gave me greater clarity on what I want from my MBA and beyond.

Her honesty, directness, and efficiency were invaluable in navigating the stressful application process with confidence. She kept me focused, challenged me to think critically, and ensured that every part of my application was as strong as possible. Thanks to her guidance, I received four offers, including from three M7 schools, out of the five applications we worked on together.

If you are considering working with an admissions consultant, I wholeheartedly recommend Jessica as the ideal companion for this journey. I can’t imagine being so successful in this endeavor without her.

Kimberly Hoey was an INCREDIBLE partner in my MBA application journey and was critical in my admission to all of the schools I applied to: Kellogg, Darden, and Fuqua! I am incredibly grateful for her partnership, listening skills, and intelligent guidance – I cannot recommend her enough.

I was very unsure when beginning the application process in March 2024 (intending for Round 1) if I wanted to use an MBA consultant, but the 30 minute consultation sold me with Kim. Throughout the entire process, Kim helped me to really think deeply about my story, trends that existed in that story that I had never considered, and how to ultimately make this story cohesive. But what I appreciated the most, and was surprised by, was her ability to help me remain authentic to my true self and let admissions understand me (in X number of words or less)!

Kim became an expert on my story and I was so grateful to have such an intelligent coach to bounce ideas off of through the process and keep me accountable, as applying for an MBA can be a full time job in addition to an existing full time job. When it came to interviews, Kim made me feel confident in an area where I historically would be very worried. She was able to provide questions from past years and really simulate the interview environment – giving me tips on what to focus on for each school based on their core values and how it aligned with mine. Even though there were some questions I hadn’t prepped directly, I was never caught off guard in an interview because of the way Kim helped me prepare and I am so grateful for the support she provided.

Kim was particularly helpful for me as my goal was to attend Kellogg and ultimately become an Assistant Brand Manager post-grad – which perfectly aligned with Kim’s professional history (Kellogg grad and ex-Brand Manager!). She was able to counsel me so well within the specific industry I am hoping to pivot into from consulting.

I was also concerned that as a consultant applying among so many other consultants, my application would look somewhat stale – but Kim was able to really help me stand out even among many peers applying due to her expertise.

Overall, I can’t recommend Kim enough as an MBA coach and friend! She was as invested as I was in the process which made me feel so supported through what can be a very scary and nerve wrecking application cycle! Completely worth the investment and I am excited to stay connected with Kim throughout my journey at Kellogg and beyond.

Harshad is an excellent consultant—direct, insightful, and highly effective in guiding you toward acceptance. I am from Guadalajara, Mexico, and did not have the highest GMAT score, but Harshad helped me build a strong profile. Thanks to his advice, I was admitted to the MBA programs at Kellogg, Cambridge, and Oxford. I highly recommend Harshad; his guidance can make the difference in gaining admission to top schools.

I never leave reviews, but I felt compelled to do so because Jessica was so amazing. If you read her other reviews, you’ll see that everyone says she’s a straight shooter – and she is. And I loved that. It jived well with my working style. She was very clear in saying “this will work” or “absolutely not this won’t work” and also provided extremely clear guidance on how to proceed in areas where I wasn’t so comfortable. I asked her a million questions, and she always got back to me quickly.

You will get out of this working relationship what you put into it. She’s also extremely realistic.

I was referred to Gavriella by another consultant at mbaMission who thought we would be a good fit, and it was the luckiest thing to happen to me during the MBA admissions process as I would not have gotten in without her! Even before I received updates on interviews/admissions, I had learnt so much from Gavriella during the process that working with her had already more than paid off. I received 6 interviews and ultimately 5 acceptances from my top choice schools with significant scholarships from all – including HBS which I will be attending in the fall. I would wholeheartedly recommend working with Gavriella, as you will not only be in the strongest position for admissions, but you will also develop so much throughout the process.

From the start, she was great at ensuring that I was comfortable with the timelines and had specific milestones to aim for so I didn’t get overwhelmed in the lead-up to deadline day. I always felt she was very invested in my success and she went above and beyond in helping me craft the best applications. Her perceptive questions and insights during our brainstorming session were critical to generating creative and unique ideas to write about in my essays, and she was a trustworthy partner in refining my drafts to ensure that they were polished but still true to my personality. I had been on the fence about applying to some competitive schools, and Gavriella’s ability to offer straightforward advice whilst having your best interests at heart was invaluable in enabling me to feel confident in the choices I made.

As all her other clients have mentioned, Gavriella is very supportive, responsive and great at ensuring you stay motivated throughout what can be a long and gruelling process. No question is too small or silly for her to respond to; even when I was anxious about minor details of extra-curricular activities on the online forms she was happy to read through them multiple times. As an international applicant, I had added nerves due to my unfamiliarity with the US process, and so I was comforted by the fact that every element of the application, from essays to CV to short answers and even the optional background questions were thoroughly planned and reviewed with her.

Her support didn’t stop at the application form, as she dedicated a lot of time in interview preparation including putting me in touch with former clients to learn more about the various schools. From pre-interview preparatory questions to mock interviews with rigorous and detailed feedback, I felt very prepared for the real thing and this undoubtedly helped me relax and perform my best. The wider mbaMission resources were also helpful when it came to other interview formats such as group interviews.

Gavriella is amazing, and I am incredibly thankful that she was by my side for the admissions process. She is more than just an admissions consultant – she is a coach, mentor and partner, and you will not regret working with her!

Choosing to work with Gavriella was hands down the BEST decision that I made during my MBA admissions journey. I only have positive feedback to share from the process, and as someone who is more frugal, I saw the ROI of our partnership firsthand through MULTIPLE six-figure M7 scholarships.

I now understand why Gavriella has such positive feedback from every one of her clients. Gavriella makes you feel supported every step of the way, from brainstorming and storylining to support pre- and post-interviews; however, where she differentiates herself is in her ability to get to know her clients. It was important for me to find a consultant who wanted to get to know me as a person outside of my application. Gavriella went above and beyond and I truly believe that this was essential in putting my best foot forward. It resulted in a successful, cohesive story that I was proud to have as a representation of myself.

In addition to her exceptional guidance, I also appreciated how Gavriella gave honest perspectives (rather than just agreeing to please her clients). She has a deep knowledge of each MBA program and the differences between them, and there were many times where we actively discussed how to shape the direction of my application while balancing my own ideas and personal needs. If you value true co-creation and open discussion, then there’s no better place to go.

I genuinely couldn’t have picked a better coach, and for anyone on the fence, I recommend Gavriella without hesitation.

Susan is truly a fantastic consultant who is extremely invested in understanding your unique story to help you articulate it in the best way possible.

While I had a good GMAT score and academic background, my years of experience at my time of application was lower than the average applicant. Susan really took the time and was invested in diving into my professional and personal background to help me identify examples that showcased the quality of my work experience, as well as unique personal experiences that set me apart.

Susan was very thorough and detailed in reviewing my essays and really pushed me to demonstrate why aspects of myself and my goals fit well with each of the schools I applied to. After submitting these applications, her support in the form of mock interviews was also extremely constructive. Through every iteration of my essays and interview responses, she was direct in communicating feedback, and the adjustments I made each time ultimately made me confident that we were highlighting my strengths in the best way possible.

With Susan’s guidance, I was admitted to Kellogg and Anderson with scholarships at both, and I’m extremely happy to be attending Kellogg this fall!

Katy was immensely helpful in preparing my MBA applications. I come from a legal background, and as a lawyer herself, she really helped me bring my story to life. I was accepted to University of Chicago Booth and couldn’t be happier!

I come from a background and country where people rarely consider getting an MBA from US, let alone getting into top MBA programs. But I wanted to try. First, I tried on my own and could not go anywhere. So I decided to get advice and see if I have a chance. I had a 30 minutes discussion with Katy and later she reviewed my materials and pointed out the issues in my previous application. She candidly mentioned the risks and realistic chances of someone with my background getting into top MBA schools (which is not that high). I insisted and luckily, she agreed to help despite the risks.

This time, with Katy’s help, I managed to get into great schools: CBS, Kellogg, Haas, Johnson, Marshall (Also waitlisted for NYU and 2 others). I also got scholarships with from some schools (25% and more)
Katy helped me in almost every step of the way. From listing and reviewing my personal life events and my history, to brainstorming ideas and storytelling, drafting and refining essays, who to pick as recommender and how to approach them, interviews and even asking for scholarships!

Katy is a great coach. Whenever I felt stuck, I asked Katy for her opinion and she would ask questions to explore the situation and then we discussed possible scenarios, fallback plans and strategies. Getting recommendations was one of the hardest parts of the application for me. Katy helped me prioritize potential recommenders and create a proper time plan in case my first recommenders got too busy or did not want to help.
Katy is also a great friend and companion. Even though the focus of our work was the MBA application, she listened carefully to all my life stories and experiences and she understood my situation. Since Katy knew so much about me and my goals, she offered a lot of useful advice about which schools would match my personality given the culture and network around them.

Katharine’s support to my admission to GSB and Wharton was unparalleled. I applied from a traditional finance and demographic background, making it particularly important to me to differentiate myself from other candidates. Through brainstorming sessions with Katharine I was able to iterate on a story that in the process help me discover my authentic voice that eventually is what I believed resonated with the admission committee. In addition, her experience as a consultant truly came through when she was able to make me aware of resources at the different universities that I could highlight in my application. In addition to determining the right strategy, Katharine also will get into the weeds with you, iterating on all aspects of the application as many times as you want. I remember days before the application I would send countless emails on changing few words here and there and she would always be responsive without complaint. Most importantly, and what I believe really differentiates Katharine from the rest, is her unparalleled commitment to you as a person. Katharine took a vested interest me in as a person and went out of her way to connect me with people that would be valuable not only for my application process, but also my personal professional goals. Her commitment really came through when 48hrs before my Wharton application, when she probably was under stress from a lot of her clients, she still provided candid feedback that led to significant changes in my essay because she wanted to make sure we didn’t compromise on the quality of the final product. Hours before the application deadline, she then helped me put the final touches on the application, and the efforts paid off with an admission to the university. The last piece was the interview process, during which Katharine agreed to have as many mock sessions I wanted and many of the pointers she gave me actually played out during the interview and resonated with my interviewer. Once again, Katharine highlighted her desire to go above and beyond by trying to find people who had previously been interviewed by my interviewer to personalize my experience as much as possible. Katharine’s expertise as an MBA application coach is obviously unparalleled, but once again reiterate her commitment to you as a person and genuine desire to go above and beyond for your success. I am truly grateful for Katharine and would not have succeeded without her support.

Interviewing always felt like the most daunting part of the MBA application process, so I signed up for coaching sessions with Katy primarily to prep for the notorious HBS interview. Not only did Katy ask questions that closely resembled my actual interview, but crucially she helped me perfect my answers and gave me the encouragement I needed to enter the real thing with total confidence!

Given Katy’s personal experience as an HBS alum, she was especially helpful in articulating exactly what makes HBS special, what the adcom is looking for, and how someone with a non-traditional background like myself (tech industry) should present their story. I really appreciated the thought Katy put into crafting a series of questions tailored to my application and her detailed feedback after each mock. Katy successfully demystified the HBS interview and truly transformed me as an interviewee! Beyond the practical help, Katy is simply lovely to work with – she is encouraging, super sharp, extremely knowledgeable, and genuinely connects with her clients.

The skills I honed with Katy didn’t just prepare me for HBS, they carried over into my GSB interview too, and I was ultimately accepted to both programs!! I could not have done it without Katy and I recommend her wholeheartedly to anyone prepping for interviews. She puts in the time, truly cares, and knows exactly how to elevate your game to the next level!

I highly recommend preparing with Devi for HBS interviews. I had three sessions with her which provided me the opportunity to mock interview and receive feedback. Given her experience in as an HBS admissions director, she was able to structure the interview that really simulated what the real interview process feels like.

Her feedback was tough but constructive, and she was incredibly supportive throughout the process. She really helped me present my technical experience in way that the admissions committee could understand and appreciate. I was able to practice how to structure and present my stories to take advantage of the short HBS interview and provide a complete picture of myself to the interviewer. Over the course of our three sessions, I saw my interviewing skills improve significantly. The result was a successful interview and an HBS admission.

I would definitely recommend Devi for anyone who is interviewing at HBS!

I was lucky enough to be referred to Melissa by a friend who had worked with her the year prior. I had introductory calls with other MBA admissions consultants, but none compared to Melissa. From our very first call, it was clear that she was fully committed to my success. She listened to my concerns and responded thoughtfully, without sugar-coating anything. I knew right away that her honesty and guidance were qualities I could always rely on and trust.

Melissa’s expertise and approach are beyond exceptional. From the very beginning, during the brainstorming phase, she demonstrated a deep understanding of the typical challenges in the MBA application process and provided clear strategies to set us up for success from the start.

During the essay creation phase, Melissa not only offered transformative suggestions, but she also made sure the process remained true to me. She fostered a collaborative environment, making us feel like true partners in the process. She helped bring my ideas to life. Her attention to detail and commitment to showcasing my story were evident in every aspect of her work.

I can’t imagine going through the interview process without Melissa. She made sure I felt confident, always listening intently and responding thoughtfully during our mock sessions. Thanks to Melissa, I was able to sleep peacefully the night before each interview and felt incredibly excited afterward. She helped me get accepted to every school I interviewed with.

Working with Melissa led to my acceptance to seven top MBA programs, along with over $400,000 in scholarships. I wholeheartedly recommend Melissa to anyone seeking expert guidance. She is a true teammate and friend in this process, and I can confidently say that I would not be in this position without her.

I contacted mbaMission relatively close to my round 1 application deadlines based on a suggestion from one of my recommenders. I was seeking someone to review my resume and essay drafts on an hourly basis and selected Christine due to her strong healthcare experience and Stanford MBA. Working with Christine was the best decision I made during my application process. She put immense effort into understanding my background and goals, was highly responsive even while I was traveling internationally, and cared deeply about my success. Christine taught me how to translate my specialized technical experience into a compelling application story. Each round of feedback helped me reflect more deeply on my accomplishments and purpose. She is a perfectionist with meticulous attention to detail. I was ultimately admitted to multiple M7 schools (including one from HSW) while receiving several significant scholarship offers.

Katy is an absolute pro and was instrumental in my admission to all the schools I applied to: HBS, GSB, Wharton, and Sloan! I am forever grateful and cannot recommend her enough!

From day one, Katy helped me see through-lines in my life that I had never considered, crystallize my story and communicate it in a way that was clear, compelling, and authentic. Her advice on recommendation letters was game-changing, especially for someone coming from a non MBA-feeder industry. When it came time for interviews, Katy’s prep sessions were second to none. Thanks to her years of experience, constructive feedback and positivity, I walked into every interview confident and ready. There wasn’t a single question that caught me off guard!

Katy strikes the perfect balance of directness, accountability, and encouragement making even the most stressful parts of the journey feel manageable. The relationship never feels transactional as Katy invests in her clients fully. More than that, she makes the entire process enjoyable, infusing every meeting with a few good laughs!

Katy isn’t just an MBA consultant – she’s a mentor and career coach. Her background as an HBS MBA, a McKinsey consultant and a Yale and Stanford undergrad bring a level of insight and mentorship that extend far beyond the application process. Her encouragement to explore new career possibilities helped broaden my perspective and shape my post-MBA goals in ways I had not anticipated!

I’m grateful to Katy not just for the spectacular admission results but also for the life-long connection we’ve built. If you’re looking for the best MBA coach in the business, look no further. She is truly one of a kind and worth every bit of the investment – and then some!

Devi is an absolute rockstar and one of the best in the business when it comes to business school admissions consulting. She helped me refine my story, sharpen my ideas, and navigate the application process successfully. Her ability to prepare me for interviews was nothing short of amazing – she truly went the extra mile to understand me as a candidate. With the benefit of her expertise, I was admitted to both schools I applied to. I truly cannot overstate how valuable her insight was—her deep knowledge of the process and tailored approach made all the difference. If you’re serious about getting into a top business school (and HBS in particular given her background), Devi is the one to call!

Jen was incredibly generous with her time and helpful throughout the process. I didn’t appreciate the nuances of the MBA application until we started. While I do believe that a consultant is not necessary to submit a successful application, there were several instances where without Jen, I would have made very different decisions regarding the direction of my essays and overall story (and given that I was accepted to my top choice, I do think she provided tangible value here!)

Jen was incredibly prompt with her responses, and when she didn’t know the answer, she helped refer me to the right resources and would always follow up after further research on her end. Overall, the MBA application is a challenging process in terms of time, opportunity cost, and potential external pressures, and I felt that having Jen as an advisor and second set of eyes was very reassuring.

“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.