Monica Okrah Consulting | MBA Admissions Consultants

Monica was truly instrumental in MBA application journey. In my first conversation with another consultant I was told I did not have a shot at top 10 schools which was disheartening. I eventually interviewed 8 consultants, but picked Monica because she seemed empathetic, interested in me wholistically, she was willing to be flexible with time, and a friend who went to HBS had already had a great experience with her. I eventually landed offers at over half of the 7 T10 schools I applied to, and chose an M7 school after receiving a $100k scholarship.

What made Monica stand out was that she took the time to learn about, understand, and appreciated the value of my very unique and diverse background. It was very important for me to work with someone who was empathetic to my unique profile and diverse interests, especially because I was sure I was good enough to get admitted. She provided a steady hand and experienced reliable opinions when it came to finding my brand and highlighting the right parts of me to the admission committees. She encouraged me to share parts of me that I was hesitant to because I did not know how they would be received – that experienced opinion was critical because it allowed me not to second guess my narrative and cut through the noise of other people’s opinions when I had limited time.

Because I had never done any creative writing before, she also really pushed me to find and improve my writing style to show my personality in essays by giving me genuine feedback (which was only possible because she got to know me very well) and sending me examples of articles to read for inspiration. I also appreciated her willingness to be flexible both financially with the packages she offered to best suit my needs with 7 applications, making sure I got the best deal possible, and her flexibility with time, supporting me and my recommenders in critical moments during the holidays in the lead up to R2 deadlines, when other consultants said they would be offline.

I could not afford to lose a year submitting mediocre applications, and I wanted to maximize my chances of getting a scholarship, so I considered working with Monica an investment. I definitely got the ROI I wanted financially. The added bonus was genuinely enjoying my time talking to her throughout the process and having her there cheering for my success, completing the process feeling like I’ve found a friend!

Working with Monica was one of the best decisions I made during my MBA application journey. From the very beginning, she helped me think strategically about school selection based on my background, leadership experience, and long-term career goals. She challenged me to dig deeper to identify the strongest and most authentic stories for my essays, then worked with me through several thoughtful iterations until every detail truly reflected who I am.

What stood out most was Monica’s level of commitment. She went far beyond the scope of the paid engagement to ensure I submitted the strongest possible application materials. She was not only meticulous and insightful, but also incredibly invested in my success. Even after submission, she continued checking in, encouraging me, and supporting me throughout the process. I will never forget that she called me immediately after I shared the news of my admission into the MIT Sloan MBA program.

To me, Monica became much more than an admissions consultant. She became a trusted advisor, a cheerleader, and a genuine friend throughout this important chapter of my life.

I strongly believe my admission would not have been possible without her guidance, honesty, and unwavering support. I wholeheartedly recommend Monica to anyone serious about gaining admission into a top MBA program, especially M7 schools. With Monica in your corner, you are working with someone who truly cares about helping you succeed.

I worked with Monica on my HBS MBA Mock Interview preparation, and she was absolutely instrumental in building up my confidence before my interview and in successfully getting an admit to HBS! While other mock interviewers were satisfied in my good (not great) answers, across my 2 mock interviews with Monica, she really helped me polish the tone, depth, and sharpness of my responses to a tee! She was tough (giving extremely straightforward and practical advice), but incredibly kind, and she helped make sure that I felt 120% prepared to kill it on the big day. Not only that, but she was incredibly responsive, and I felt I had her in my corner whenever I needed her, especially during the post-interview reflection. Overall, I’m so thankful to Monica, and would be excited to recommend her services to anyone applying to HBS. Run, don’t walk!

I began working with Monica during a very difficult transition in my life – after I had quit my job I took a break and when I decided to go to school most other consultants said that I “would’ve been a great M7 candidate” but the gap in my CV was going to be a deal breaker.

Then I spoke to Monica and her confident and authentic approach stood out to me. I wanted to work with someone who was interested in learning about my story and guiding me to the best possible way to present it. That is exactly what I got from Monica. Her process has pushed me to reflect on every aspect of my journey. I remember joking during one of my apps that my sessions with Monica were nothing short of therapy. Taking all the reflection and context, she helped me bring my story to life.

Monica’s biggest strength is her ability to pick out the perfect nuance from narratives. We spent hours brainstorming the perfect blend of stories for my apps. The way Monica guided my essay writing was exceptional – she was pulling out the most nuanced details that I would have otherwise glossed over. Her bar for quality is spectacular and she will not stop pushing you until you reach it – if a version has the Monica stamp of approval you know it is the best version of yourself on paper and it cannot get any better than that.

She was equally amazing with my interview prep – I was very anxious for my first few interviews. Monica went over and above her role of helping me do mocks. She guided my prep but also helped me navigate if I was going overboard and making myself more anxious! I definitely needed someone as balanced as her to get me through those difficult times.

Monica has given me the confidence to pursue my dreams. Now after multiple admits and headed to an M7 school, I cannot recommend Monica enough- she not only helped me stay calm but I genuinely began enjoy all the brainstorming, essays, and interview prep with her. During my transition, she helped me make the right decision for myself and my career while focusing on my path to business school. She is so much more than an MBA consultant, she has been a true companion and mentor for me. The MBA application process is a marathon, with constant uncertainty and many many decisions every step of the way. Choosing to work with Monica was easily the best one I’ve made during this insane journey!

Working with Monica was one of the most transformative experiences of my MBA journey. As a non-traditional candidate: a background in political science, a master’s in theological studies, and a career in politics. I wasn’t sure how my story would resonate in the business school world. But Monica not only believed in my potential, she brought it to life.
If I didn’t know any better, I would’ve thought I was her only client. She was always available, responsive, and fully invested in helping me shape my story in a way that felt both authentic and powerful. She challenged me to dig deeper and uncover truths about my journey and calling that even I hadn’t seen. Her tough love was exactly what I needed.
Thanks to Monica’s coaching, I was admitted to Wharton, but the impact she made goes far beyond an acceptance letter. I’m forever grateful. I truly couldn’t have done it without her.

If you have an established business career, are trying to pivot, and or looking to advance your path with clarity and purpose, working with Monica is one of the best investments you can make.

Working with Monica was hands down an extremely fulfilling and impactful part of my MBA application journey. After struggling to connect with other consultants who didn’t quite see my story, meeting Monica changed everything. She not only believed in me from the start but also truly understood the essence of my journey—sometimes even better than I did.

Monica made the entire application process genuinely enjoyable. I looked forward to every session with her and learned so much throughout. What stood out most was her tireless commitment to excellence and the sense of ownership she took over my story—reviewing every draft with care, catching the smallest nuances, and suggesting subtle improvements right up to the final minutes before submission. Even when I felt ready to submit, she would always find one more detail to polish.

Another standout aspect was her flexibility. Despite a tight timeline to complete three applications, Monica adapted to my needs and never compromised on quality. She ensured the process remained seamless and even fun—never overwhelming.

With Monica, I felt like I had more than a consultant by my side. I had a coach—someone who not only guided me but genuinely rooted for my success. Her presence turned a daunting process into one filled with clarity, confidence, and purpose. I’ll always be grateful for her support, would absolutely reach out for future milestones, and wholeheartedly recommend her to anyone looking not just for an admissions consultant, but a true mentor in their journey.

Monica is great. I am an overrepresented reapplicant with test scores / gpa at or slightly below M7 scores. I was waitlisted at 2 M7s round 2 last cycle and she started our journey together by taking a look at my past application and giving me ~10 min of feedback, identifying opportunities for improvement. Compared to the other 3-5 providers I talked to, Monica’s honesty and ability to identify convincing improvement points stood out and inspired me to give MBA applications another go.

I went with the hybrid package for 3 schools. Throughout the process, Monica would constantly push me to improve in a way that made each draft significantly better than the last. Working long hours in management consulting, I greatly appreciated needing to make sure each of the 3 drafts per school was as polished as possible so that it was in the best place for her feedback. As a result, I was able to crunch through all of my applications in time. I was originally a bit skeptical that 3 drafts would not be enough but we really made it work and I was extremely happy with the finished product. I would highly recommend Monica to anyone.

Results: Accepted at 2 M7s; WL at 3 M7s

Opening the email from Wharton at the end of March 2024 and seeing my acceptance with a full scholarship was a life-changing moment, all thanks to Monica’s unique guidance as my MBA coach.
I colorfully recall our first conversation during the summer holidays in 2023. At that time, pursuing an MBA at an Ivy League school in the US felt like a dream, especially given my background and the personal challenges I was facing. Growing up in Africa, studying in the United States often seemed out of reach, particularly for someone from a middle-class family with financial struggles.
When I first told Monica about my aspiration to apply for an MBA at Wharton, she immediately motivated me to commit fully to the journey. However, my world turned upside down in August when my sister succumbed to cancer. I then decided to withdraw from the application process. Yet, a close friend encouraged me to reconsider and reconnect with Monica, believing in my potential despite my challenges.
In early December, just a month before the round 2 application deadlines, I reached out to Monica again. Her support and belief in me were clear from the start. “I am so grateful that you took the right decision! It will be hard and tough. The schedule will be aggressive, but I am 100% sure that you will succeed! I believe in you,” she said, setting the tone for our journey together.
Monica’s ability to draw from my personal experiences and challenges was amazing. She helped me discover and articulate my true self, aspirations, and life goals. This process was more than just crafting an MBA essay and application — it was a transformative experience that I cherish to this day.
Her rigorous methodology and insightful advice guided me through the application process. Completing an MBA application in just one month was daunting, but with Monica, it felt seamless and empowering. The result was an application that authentically represented me and my strengths.
I received acceptance letters from several prestigious schools, including Wharton. When the acceptance email arrived, I wasn’t surprised; I knew Monica had helped me present my best self. I warmly refer to her as a “dream maker” and even “Santa Monica” for her role in making career dreams come true.
I cannot recommend Monica highly enough as an MBA coach. Her personalized approach is unmatched. You will thank yourself for choosing her guidance from the very first meeting and I am confident you will get to the school of your dreams!

I found Monica serendipitously through a Reddit comment. Due to that fateful comment, she played an integral role in my MBA application process, becoming a friend and bringing out my best self. Monica’s coaching turned MBA applications into an enjoyable introspection exercise and spurred dream-level results.

I contacted Monica during one of the most intensive transition periods of my life, moving across the country and hoping to put my best foot forward for Stanford GSB and HBS applications. My stats split the medians and my work experience could appear disjointed; despite this and an extremely condensed timeline, Monica immediately saw potential and leaned into the challenge. She offered candid, accurate feedback and after confirming that we were a good fit for each other, we moved ahead rapidly

Monica’s process forced me to dig far deeper with my introspection and future goals than I had previously imagined. She reframed how I viewed the entire process, holding me accountable and leaving no loose ends; despite her kind and uplifting demeanor, she would keep pushing me to ask “the why”. Importantly, she never once encouraged me to be disingenuous, instead urging me to be vulnerable, aggressive, and direct. All said, I submitted two applications that compellingly told my story.

With my condensed timeline, Monica often made near-immediate turns with my materials. It quickly became evident that this was far more than a business arrangement to her; she was in my corner and invested in the process. Furthermore, she routinely reached out and offered encouragement during the interview waiting process, especially after the post-submission thoughts kicked in.

When I received interview invites for GSB and HBS, Monica immediately jumped into preparation mode. Her preparation plan covered all of the bases, simulating both interviews with uncanny accuracy. With both interviews in a short amount of time, Monica was able to design a plan that helped prepare for both.

With her coaching, I will be attending the GSB. I could not recommend a coach more highly. This is not just a business for Monica; it is a platform for connecting with like-minded people and helping them accomplish their dreams. Work with her – you will thank yourself after the first meeting!!

The MBA application process is daunting. There’s no doubt about it – but along my journey, having the accompaniment of certain mentors, coaches, and friends turned it into a meaningful moment for me. Monica was one of those people – I cannot recommend her enough, as she was able to meet me where I was at in my application process and provide critically helpful coaching on my essays. In the end, the results worked – I got into 6/7 schools and will be attending my dream school at Stanford GSB this fall! Having reflected on all those who accompanied me on my MBA journey, below are a few key aspects that I found to be unique to Monica:

Comfortably Encourages Vulnerability

Many of my essays discussed themes that were often difficult to articulate. They sometimes made me nervous to share. One of Monica’s core strengths is that she made me personally feel safe and heard – she created an environment that allowed me to share deeply personal stories and provide feedback in such a way that powerfully advanced the delivery without personally critiquing the story. All her feedback made me feel more confident in the structure and core themes surrounding my essays and regardless of outcome, I left with an elevated personal clarity around my story, which I am forever grateful for.

Flexibility

Monica provides a variety of ways to receive coaching, and personally, I purchased a set of hours, which proved to be the best fit given my demanding work schedule. This flexibility proved to be extremely valuable so that I could best cater the coaching to my specific journey, and Monica was fantastic about providing suggestions as to how we could make the most of each one.

Tangible, Tactical Feedback

Monica provided tangible, tactical feedback. Even though I only booked a few hours, our sessions allowed me to tackle storytelling frameworks and feedback that would be applicable to all of my essays. This was especially helpful for trying to tell deep and complex stories in a compelling way with a limited amount of words. Monica helped me elevate my essays from plot descriptions to powerful narratives.

Format

I was impressed with the multiple ways by which Monica provided feedback – including video recordings, written feedback, and direct comments. At the of my final session, Monica provided a written summary of the key points that we discussed – I could tell that she went above our allotted time to make sure that our discussion was documented and directional. This was invaluable as it allowed me to then go back and reference these artifacts later on.

My former colleague (also a GSB student) recommended me to Monica. I applied to HBS and GSB via 2+2 deferred programs in college and wasn’t accepted. This time, I was told by multiple friends that I had no shot at GSB/HBS given my standard investment banking -> private equity background, added by the fact that I didn’t work at a bulge bracket, an elite boutique, or a mega fund.

However, Monica was vested in me and truly helped me find my unique story/angle. We first went through an in-depth brainstorming exercise, and Monica got to know me very well as a person / professional. We then started working on essays – we had 7-10 essay drafts for each school I applied to. There were multiple times that I felt like my essays were good enough, but Monica thought the story wasn’t good enough and pushed me to do a complete rewrite of the essay.

My experience with Monica was way better than my prior coaches who helped me with my 2+2 application, both worked at large/well-known MBA coaching firms. For my 2+2 application, they didn’t help me brainstorm or spend time getting to know me. The 1st essay draft I wrote without any help was essentially the same finalized essay I turned in after my coaches’ reviews. This was a completely opposite experience from my experience with Monica, who pushed me even when I thought my essays were good enough!

I’d highly recommend Monica if you need someone who’s vested in you and will help you identify your own truthful and unique story!

As an older applicant from the overcrowded consultant/tech pool, I needed all the help I could get to apply to my dream school, HBS. I attended some consultations with other admissions consultants, but they basically shut me down saying my chances are near impossible as I didn’t find a unicorn start-up, and pushed me to apply to other safety schools instead.

For the strangest reason, I landed on page 7 of a Google search and stumbled upon Monica’s website. I was instantly drawn by her strong track record of helping clients gain HBS admissions and her raving client testimonials. But it was during our consultation call that I knew she was the indispensable help I needed – I was captivated by her smart but friendly personality. Monica saw potential in my background and encouraged me to apply. She was spot-on with the issue in my essay drafts, which is the lack of a compelling proposition, but she was also extremely constructive and broke down the exact steps on how we could get there.

I immediately sensed the difference between Monica and other consultants. Not only does she have a structured and tested approach to guide the application, but her approach was also “we” instead of “you”. Monica is extremely hands-on and has a plan for every part of the application. MBA application can be a very stressful process, and knowing there is someone who believes in you and is as invested in you really lifted a lot of weight off my shoulder.

Working with Monica turns out to be the best decision and investment for my MBA application. First, she has a magic that helps uncover your unique story, put together your strong authentic selling points, and ensure they are reflected and tied in every aspect of the application. She is adamant to help you build a compelling proposition that differentiates you from other applicants. Second, I was constantly amazed by how we experienced a breakthrough on EVERY single call that helped to elevate my story. She has the knack of drawing out the “aha” moments from ordinary details in our conversation. It really took a lot of stress off me, knowing each draft I submitted will get massive improvement after each iteration. Third, Monica is so invested that she makes you feel like you are her only client. She pours her heart into your application, knows all your stories inside out, and gives crystal clear advice. Also, she won’t compromise on low standards and is meticulous about getting every part of the application impeccable. By the time I submitted my application, I had the confidence that my application was competitive, genuine, and the best I could ever put together.

After I received an invitation to the HBS interview, Monica helped me practice relentlessly so I could be ready to share my story confidently in person. When I felt frustrated that I didn’t answer a question well, Monica calmed me and instantly helped me strategize for the post-interview reflection essay to address the flaw. And it worked! It’s no understatement to say that I owe my HBS admittance to Monica.

Moreover, Monica has one of the best personalities I met – honest, encouraging, and genuinely interested in helping you succeed. She was my biggest cheerleader and mentor during this application. By the end, her friendship was one of the most invaluable gifts I gained from this process. I highly recommend Monica!

Before being referred to Monica by an incoming Harvard graduate acquaintance of mine, all I had were some incomplete essays that another consultant charged me for and a GMAT score. Over the next couple of weeks, Monica helped me prioritize my target schools, rethink the entire strategy, dive into the strengths in my profile, helped me bring them out into strong essays and prepare me for the interviews… all within very tight deadlines. I knew it wouldn’t be easy as I already had a prior MBA from a non-US B school, was from an overrepresented applicant pool and sector, and was older than the average candidate. But thanks to Monica I have secured an admit into a T15 program (and waitlisted at one M7 and one T10 program).

Monica was recommended to me by a former classmate who was admitted to Wharton the previous year. His exact words were, “If it wasn’t for Monica, I don’t think I would be here.” Let me tell you, I feel the exact same way! If you’re serious about b-school, just stop and sign on with her. Let me tell you why. This was my second round applying to b-school, and I’m a bit older than the average student. Yet she made this arduous and long process a lot manageable. Her work is the epitome of “white glove” service. She understands the process and is passionate about bringing out YOUR story so you can be admitted. She IS Amazing! I truly feel that Monica is doing the Lord’s work and I pray you have the opportunity to work with her. She pulls your story out as if it’s her own, she’s VESTED in you and gives you that confidence when you feel overwhelmed. Unlike my previous “coach,” she asked probing questions, expectations were clear, edits were strategic, feedback was honest, and I never felt abandoned or frustrated with her. Monica consistently checked on me even after I hit the submit button. There’s no way I would be here without her.

Monica started as my tutor and soon became a friend. And as it should be, real friends push you to do your best. I was referred to her by a friend of mine, and I reached out for an introductory call. I really had no idea of how to attack the application process, and she did an incredible job of working with me through thoughtful brainstorming exercises and helping me to craft an essay that was authentic to me and my story. I loved (and hated) how she never let me slack off or turn in half-baked work. In the end, I went 2 for 2 on my applications: accepted to both Harvard Business School and MIT Sloan. The results speak for themselves related to her expertise!

It was truly a privilege working with Monica during my MBA application process. I’m very grateful for having been referred to her by a former colleague! Without her, I wouldn’t have been able to gain admission to one of my dream schools, Kellogg.

I started working with Monica during a very turbulent time personally. My family was personally hit very hard by the second wave of COVID in India and I wasn’t sure I had the capacity to apply to business school this year. Her patience, empathy, and encouragement helped me navigate the tight timelines with which I had to work with. As I retook the GMAT based on her guidance and navigated complex aspects of the application process, whilst working in a demanding job, I frequently went back to her belief in my story and our empowering chats.

Immediately after beginning working with her, I became very impressed by her storytelling skills. She provided me with brainstorming and self-reflection resources that were very holistic and profound, helping me connect the dots and identify powerful life experiences and anecdotes that have shaped my career. She also helped me identify my fundamental values, which was instrumental as I wrote Kellogg’s second essay.

I particularly appreciated her nuanced feedback that really pushed the quality standards of my essays. Her insights on the content of my essays and on overall language/ communication really made my essays much more authentic and compelling. I distinctly remember how she gave me feedback that quickly transformed my Kellogg values essay. She innovatively advised me to weave my values within an overarching narrative to powerfully convey my life experiences.

Throughout the process, I also really appreciated Monica’s professionalism. She was incredibly timely in her essay feedback. She often went over and above what I expected from the hourly package I paid for. As I completed the unique aspects of Kellogg’s application process, such as the interview and video essays, she was always generous with her thoughtful advice and customized information guides. She also took a lot of ownership of my application process and kept me accountable throughout the entire process.

Ultimately, I highly recommend Monica for anyone who is looking for an incredible thought partner, coach, and friend, as they navigate the highs and lows of the MBA application process.

Non-Believer Into A Believer – Acceptance & Full-Tuition Scholarship

When I started this journey, I didn’t think I had a shot at the top 15 MBA program, but Monica pushed me to tell my story in an authentic and thought-provoking way.

Monica is committed to her mentees/clients during the application, interview preparation, and waitlist. When I bombed my GMAT score right before the round 2 deadline, Monica helped me draft an optional essay at 10:00 pm. She truly cares about you outside the transitional aspect of this relationship and was always available to schedule a meeting to discuss her essay comments over the phone versus long email chains.

I worked with Monica for two years; even after not securing an admission on the first try (waitlisted at Kellogg and Yale), I knew Monica was the right coach. We spent weeks reflecting and rebuilding my application. I was accepted to Michigan Ross (full-tuition merit scholarship) and Darden and waitlisted at MIT and Kellogg in the second attempt.

I am genuinely grateful to Monica for her coaching and always being my cheerleader and accountability mirror throughout the application process.

Being a non-traditional applicant, I wasn’t really sure how my application process into INSEAD was going to pull through, and at some point, I had conflicting ideas on how to go about it and tell my story. However, Monica helped me to dig deep, reflect and uncover my authentic story through various brainstorming sessions which in turn developed my essays and transformed my resume to capture the essence of my experiences. I recall encountering a last-minute setback in the last stages and panicking, she worked with me intensely and even jumped on several last-minute calls to resolve the challenges. When found necessary, she switched one of my essays just to ensure that it reflected my best stories. Her professionalism and excellence kept pushing me through and I cannot imagine that anyone else would have done it better.
During this process, she also served as my accountability partner and a strong motivator when I began to second guess my application midway. She helped me get out of my own way and, opened my mind and eyes to see the growth in my story.
Thankfully, I got in! And in the spirit of giving honor to whom it’s due, I am very grateful to Monica for her help, support, push for excellence, and everything else that she was to me in between.

Monica was the best ever MBA admission consultant I have worked with. I first got to know Monica through MBA Mission, an MBA admission consultancy firm, when I was considering applying to a full-time MBA in 2013. As an international applicant with an engineering background, she advised me to continue to build my profile before applying and we stayed in touch. During that time, Monica continued to offer me advice. A few years later, I chose Monica as a consultant to work with not only because of the great number of positive reviews she had received from her customers, including older candidates like me, who got admitted into their dream schools, but also because she believed in me and was genuinely committed to helping me succeed.

From the first kick-off call I had with her till the submission of my application materials, Monica was extremely resourceful and friendly. She had tremendously helped me to navigate the complex admission process. I was especially amazed by how fast she was able to grasp my upbringing story, and pick my best professional achievements and coach me to craft them into a compelling story even though I came from a technical background. My extremely low test scores prevented me from being admitted back then, but we developed a true friendship and I continued to consult her in 2018 and 2019 to seek her advice on different topics to advance my career. Throughout the process, I grew as a confident person and learned great narrative writing skills that I have been using at my workplace. I also elevated my career by transitioning to a leadership role with a prominent organization in my region, and I know that Monica’s support was instrumental. This past year, I consulted Monica again for an Executive MBA application. Obviously, I was thrilled when I got admitted into one of the world’s most competitive Global Executive MBA programs in 2020. I give all credits for my admission to Monica because I would have not made it into this program without her precious help. She was there with me through the many ups and downs in my life and my application process and I am forever grateful.

Monica is one of the kindest and nicest consultants with whom I have had the opportunity of working.

I could go on and on about her skills and her generosity but let me share some of my best moments with her.

She genuinely cares and enjoys working with you: Like many applicants, I had taken free reviews with various consultants to ascertain their value-add and the fit. Monica was the only consultant who not only agreed to speak with me but also reviewed some of my applications for free and gave me specific feedback before I had even decided to work with her. This was a massive selling point; here was someone who didn’t care about the financial aspect and was genuinely interested in your success.

Candid feedback but not demotivating: I spoke with some consultants who tried their best to pressure me and make me feel like without them my applications were doomed. Monica on the other hand did the exact opposite. She was honest and open with her feedback, highlighting where I could improve and what variables I had under my control. However, never did I feel that without her I’d be lost. She rather added a layer of assuredness in the process.

Promptness and quality of work: Monica really does go the extra mile. She not only reviewed my essays and other application materials but also did multiple mock interviews with me. She was as much an admissions consultant as a friend and a trusted advisor. I distinctly remember her working additional hours before New Year’s Eve to help meet deadlines.

Empathy: When COVID-19 struck home and impacted my ability to perform, Monica was deeply empathetic. She was kind, understanding and supportive.

I cannot recommend her more highly.

Accepted to 2/3 of my top schools, including Wharton!
I would have not been accepted without working with Monica. I encourage everyone to do their due diligence, but Monica must be someone you at least have a conversation with!

I was referred to Monica by a trusted friend who worked with her and recommended her wholeheartedly. Nonetheless, I still did some due diligence and interviewed 6 other firms/consultants. During that process, I realized that the very first things that need to take place are a) having rapport and b) someone who believes in your potential/storyline.
I opted to work with Monica because not only did we build rapport, also:
1. As an older applicant, she identified the importance of telling my whole, authentic story
2. Her warm personality and absolute professionalism
3. Her broad experience helping candidates into top schools
As we worked together, I appreciated:
– The process/timeline she built for ME
– Her talent (really magic) for providing feedback about my essays
– How I felt that I had someone who was really in my corner, putting forth her best effort throughout the entire process.

I was understandably anxious while waiting for admission outcomes, but I knew that no matter the outcome, I had presented the best me to the programs – and that peace was priceless!

I was introduced to Monica by two friends who had separately used her consulting services and had gotten into HBS and GSB, respectively. As a re-applicant to business school, I wanted to make sure that I corrected any flaws from my previous application and shared my story as compellingly as possible. I also worried about being able to manage the application progress alongside a demanding full-time job, especially during a stressful pandemic. Monica read through all my previous applications, completed a ‘ding analysis’ of sorts, and was able to clearly lay out my strengths and areas for development as a candidate. She helped me craft a great story and apply to Wharton, GSB, and HBS. I was waitlisted at HBS, which was nerve-wracking, but Monica never lost hope and guided me through the process of keeping the school updated and staying in the game. Ultimately, I was accepted at HBS and Wharton and am heading to HBS in the fall. Monica oversaw every aspect of my application and her suggestions helped me dig deeper to improve my essays. Would highly recommend working with her – totally worth the investment to maintain your sanity and rest assured that your application is the best it can be!

I was referred to Monica by a friend and we connected immediately – the best thing about Monica was her ability to connect with you, understand your achievements/stories and her technical writing/creativity to draw those achievements/stories out of you.

– Very flexible working style and responsive to emails and my pace/schedule
– Once we started working, she took time to develop our base layer of understanding and connecting. That gave her the capabilities to do deep brainstorming with me to draw out my best experiences and achievements
– Then, we collaborated, Monica, with her technical writing and creativity, transformed my essays
– Her positive, motivating and proactive attitude: motivated me and also pushed me to be on top of it

I recommend having Monica on your team – she was instrumental to my acceptance at GSB!

Monica is really an incredible coach. After months of struggling with MBA applications and feeling really lost and overwhelmed, a former colleague (who is currently at a top MBA program) recommended Monica. I’m from a non-traditional MBA background and had only a very vague idea of why I wanted to pursue an MBA. Monica quickly helped me clarify my goals. I was particularly impressed by how she was able to zero in on the aspects of my candidacy that were not only unique, but personally meaningful and important (which made them so much easier to write about).

After helping me find my story, Monica provided thoughtful and effective feedback on my essays and resume (my final drafts were so much better than my first drafts). Monica is also incredibly kind and encouraging and help me foster the confidence I needed to successfully navigate the admissions process. She’s also super quick and responsive and went above and beyond to ensure that I put together my best applications.

After completing my round 2 applications I received a full-tuition scholarship at my dream school (an M7 which I’ll be attending in the Fall), half-tuition scholarship at another M7, and full tuition at a T15 program (all results that I’m still shocked by and could not have achieved without Monica’s help). Needless to say, I couldn’t recommend Monica more strongly.

I was referred to Monica by a friend who was currently working with her and was really impressed by her unique approach to MBA applications. I had good work experience, undergraduate grades, and extracurriculars, however, my GMAT score was below the median for my dream MBA program – London Business School (LBS). Monica was very honest throughout the process, and she pushed me to bring out the best version of myself. I loved her emphasis on storytelling not only in the essays but also throughout the whole application. She was great at keeping me honest and on track, and she helped me to piece together connections throughout my past that really brought my personal story to life. Once I was granted an interview, she also helped coach me to prepare and was able to give me great insight into the uniqueness of LBS’s interview process. From the tone of my voice to the specific responses I chose for certain answers, Monica helped fine-tune my interview so that I felt confident going into it. I was so thrilled when I was accepted to LBS, and I know I could not have done it without Monica’s guidance.

Monica was referred to me by a friend at HBS who had worked with her the previous year. Coming from a finance background, I really needed help to differentiate my story. Monica worked with me to brainstorm essay ideas to uncover and tell MY unique personal story. She provided honest feedback and guided me on my school choices.

In the end, I was accepted to my top school (HBS) in Round 2. I thank Monica for helping me on my journey of introspection!

I was referred by a friend whose coworkers had worked with Monica previously and achieved great results. I had an unfavorable GMAT score and average work experience and needed to bring out my strengths through other aspects of my application. Monica not only helped me find and tell my story, but she also kept me on track, helped me highlight my quantitative abilities, and provided me with honest feedback that allowed me to produce much higher quality essays than I otherwise would have. She went above and beyond in her support for me. In the end, I got into two of the five M7 schools I applied to in round 2, even receiving a scholarship!

I was referred by a friend whose coworkers had worked with Monica previously and achieved great results. I had an unfavorable GMAT score and average work experience and needed to bring out my strengths through other aspects of my application. Monica not only helped me find and tell my story, but she also kept me on track, helped me highlight my quantitative abilities, and provided me with honest feedback that allowed me to produce much higher quality essays than I otherwise would have. She went above and beyond in her support for me. In the end, I got into two of the five M7 schools I applied to in round 2, even receiving a scholarship!

I was referred to Monica by a friend who worked with her previously (and was accepted to HBS). I was deciding between MBAMission and Monica and went with Monica due to the common connection, a choice I will never regret.

I started the application process very late and Monica was somehow able to make it work. She was able to execute extremely fast and we iterated at a rapid speed. I honestly don’t know how we got it all done.

I only applied to Harvard and Stanford and Monica was with me every step of the way. She helped me brainstorm essay ideas, choose my recommenders, tighten up my story, prepare for my interviews, and was my confidant for the whole ride. She even helped me decide what to wear to the interviews! True story – I am an engineer and thought you could wear jeans and a tee-shirt to HBS. Thankfully Monica realized this and located the nearest J-Crew in Boston the day before my HBS interview so I could look presentable.

Monica is incredible – she’s organized, communicative, intelligent, incisive, empathetic, and caring. We have become genuine friends throughout this process and I am so happy to have met her.

In the end, I was accepted to both Harvard (MS/MBA) and Stanford (GSB). What a ride! I can’t thank Monica enough for helping me achieve these goals.

I would recommend Monica 12/10 times.

Monica used to work for mbaMission, but now consults on her own, providing high-quality inputs at a (slightly) more reasonable price.

I was referred to her by a friend who had previously worked with her and recommended her highly, and am really glad I got the chance to work with her!

Monica is incredibly skilled at what she does and has a number of useful tools that help navigate the process. She provided incredibly useful input – helping carve out my story into something structured and convincing (while still being authentic to me), and provided direct, targeted input on essays.

What I found most impressive is that she would use my own words (from our conversations/ from the tools we’d worked through) to provide input on essays so that it was authentic to me and still my voice, but much improved in structure and more convincing. Moreover, I appreciated her honesty in feedback – I’d much rather know when something wasn’t working, and this made it even more rewarding when the essay finally ‘clicked’.

Logistically, it was also great to work with her. Given my non-profit background, I had limited time to work with her (based on what I was able to afford), and she was always incredibly cognisant of this and did her best to maximize the time we had. Furthermore, despite being located internationally, she was very flexible about working within my timezone around my work needs.

Lastly, the overall support and connection she provided went above and beyond! I ended up applying for a few more schools than planned, using a lot of the material we’d already developed. She stayed in touch with me, and provided support and encouragement when I most needed it (e.g. when I got rejected from a school I was completely set on attending).

In the end, I was admitted into a school that is considered even better than the one I was originally set on attending! This year was the only year I wanted to apply to business school, and I don’t think I would have achieved these results without Monica’s assistance. I highly recommend working with her, if you’re able.

For me, Monica struck the perfect balance of approachable and easy to talk to, while also being tough on me in all the right ways (pushing me to dig deeper on essays, for example). Monica is so successful because she pairs her natural ability to connect with people with a well-organized coaching business that structures the “getting to know you / your story / your goals” process in a way that is efficient and effective. I was very impressed with her knowledge of different programs, how to cater essays to each program, and how to think about my application holistically so AdCom really understands what I have to offer. I ended up going hourly with Monica and using her expertise to guide my application decisions and essays. Our sessions were broad-ranging (which is what I wanted) – We discussed where I should apply (and to how many programs), she counseled me through bad GMAT tests and a pivot to the GRE, and provided truly thoughtful and considered feedback on my essays. I felt like an outsider coming into the admissions process, Monica has a wealth of institutional knowledge since she has been in the industry. I learned a lot about what schools are looking for in the application that I otherwise would have been blind to. As for logistics – It was easy to add more hours to my package and I never had trouble scheduling time with her. I applied to 8 full-time MBA programs ranked in the top 25. So far I have gotten 6 interviews. I was a non-traditional applicant – telling my story and showcasing my unique experience was absolutely critical. Monica’s coaching added immeasurable value to my application process. I would highly recommend her if you want a thoughtful and driven coach at your side during this process.

Monica was of great help to me throughout the application process. I initially began my process with a different consultant, but soon realized I needed more personalized guidance. Monica struck me from the get-go as a consultant that was invested in getting to know her clients’ backgrounds. I found her to be very skilled at helping me shape concise stories that I could convey in my applications. Her feedback drew out potential topics that I hadn’t even thought of and helped me frame my applications in the best possible way. I particularly appreciated how her feedback was both candid and encouraging in nature, and most importantly, always helped drive meaningful progress in my applications each time we spoke. Monica was always responsive to my questions and very easy to communicate with. I would highly recommend her!

As an engineer, I’m not a wordsmith by trade. While I write reports, they are definitely not business related. So, I knew that I needed someone to help me tell compelling stories that would jump out to admissions departments at the different schools I was looking at. Monica was fantastic in turning the often wordy and verbose stories I crafted into focused and concise stories that were easily digestible. She was extremely responsive to every question that I had during the process and I can’t thank her enough. She played a huge role in me getting into the M7 school of my dreams.

I purchased a 2-hour package with Monica, and ended up purchasing an additional hour. She is absolutely excellent! What I liked most about her is how invested she is in you – she definitely went well above the 3 hours I had purchased, but she wanted to give me meaningful comments and feedback so she didn’t shy from using additional time. That goes to show how much she cares about her clients and ensuring they put their best foot forward. She is very responsive and super easy to communicate with, as well as extremely caring and approachable – all great qualities to have in an admissions consultant! She also takes the time to get to know you, so that she can help you tell YOUR story, rather than a cliche story that you would think the school wants to hear. That’s most important! Her feedback and comments are very detailed and thorough!