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Number Of Expert Admissions Coaches: 5
Total Reviews: 402 | 5 Star Reviews: 402
Firm Website: http://www.personalmbacoach.com
Personal MBA Coach was founded in 2008 to offer a boutique and personalized level of application support unavailable at other firms. Our approach is unique and, unlike with many other consultancies, you will not be handed off to a junior consultant who works with a few clients a year and has limited insight into the application process. All Personal MBA Coach clients work directly with our founder, Scott Edinburgh or a former M7 admissions director. This means you work directly with an expert throughout the entire process.
Personal MBA Coach helps clients with all aspects of the MBA application process including early planning, GMAT/GRE/EA tutoring, application strategy, school selection, essay editing, and mock interviews. Our team includes former M7 admissions directors and former M7 admissions interviewers. We work with a select number of applicants each year and place them into the best MBA, EMBA, part-time MBA and other graduate school programs.
Our clients not only get admitted, but many also receive substantial scholarships. Last year our clients received over $6.5M in merit scholarships.
Scott and his team provide exceptional support throughout the MBA application process. They are particularly effective in helping candidates clarify their goals, articulate their personal stories, and refine their application strategies. The guidance on essay writing stands out—they won’t do the work for you, but instead help you present your unique narrative in a clear and compelling way. For those who struggle with writing, especially non-traditional candidates or those from technical backgrounds, Scott’s team excels at transforming rough drafts into polished essays that truly shine.
Scott and his team were extremely helpful and thorough throughout the entire application process. I applied to the top 5 business schools and was admitted into 3 of them with considerable scholarship awards. I would use Scott again without hesitation. He made himself available at any time to talk through any aspect of the application process and gave direct feedback throughout. If you want someone to really push you to craft your best application, Scott is your man.
I worked with Scott and was accepted to both GSB + HBS. He’s extremely knowledgable about what the schools are looking for and always available to help with any questions or concerns you have. I found our brainstorming calls to be very helpful and the editing team made my applications very sharp.
I was applying late Round 2 and had to take the GRE at the last minute, then spend a couple of weeks getting all my application material together.
Scott’s team was instrumental in helping me ideate and provide revisions/suggestions to ensure I submitted all my applications on time. In some cases, his team went the extra mile, providing a couple of chunks of substantial and all-encompassing meaningful feedback in a single day (though this is not normally the policy, they understood and really supported me due to my compressed time frame.)
His unlimited feedback policy and deep understanding of each school I applied to really helped me ideate and set my application apart.
THE RESULT: I got admitted into my top choice M7 school (which was extremely competitive in R2).
Scott made the MBA application process a breeze. From an upfront call walking you through the plan for the next few months, to the timely and wildly helpful feedback on essays, to the high touch interview practice, I felt supported and ahead of the game every step of the way. Best way to invest in yourself, your future, and your professional development. True experts who exceeded all expectations.
MJ Shores was a great consultant. From the start, I felt like I was working with a professional with MBA admissions knowledge. Communication was timely and frequent. The new perspective really helped me understand how to go through the MBA application process and ultimately I was accepted at the M7 school I targeted. Without hesitation highly recommend.
I was most motivated to seek help from an MBA consultant to ensure I was framing my story in a way that resonated with admissions committees, be honest about blind spots or deficiencies in my application, and keep me on track through a busy work schedule in private equity. MJ delivered on all these fronts! The outcome was a six-figure scholarship to attend Chicago Booth, my first choice.
I worked with Scott on every aspect of my MBA application outside of the GMAT, and his coaching was exceptional. From selecting schools to writing applications and preparing for interviews, Scott made each step straightforward and clear. His support allowed me to be genuine in my applications while leveraging his deep understanding of the system to tell my story effectively. Scott was always available for questions and advice, whether it was for resumes, essays, or short answers. Having him in my corner gave me the peace of mind that I was presenting my best self. I cannot imagine navigating this process without MyPersonalMBA, and I highly recommend Scott and his team to anyone applying to business school.
MJ was integral to my success in being admitted to my most preferred MBA program at Wharton. I had the privilege of working with her in preparation for my interview. She was so fun to work with—professional, dynamic, and tough. With her help, I was completely prepared and am forever grateful.
Working with Personal MBA Coach was the best decision I could have made. Scott and his expert team provided all the guidance that I needed to be admitted to my most preferred MBA program at Wharton. They held my hand and led me through the process—exceeding my expectations at every step. Personal MBA Coach has deep knowledge of exactly what is needed to succeed from essay edits to interview prep and beyond. I will always be grateful to Scott and his exceptional team for their talent, their dedication to our success, and their love of helping others. They make dreams come true.
Personal MBA Coach provided a clear, structured process that pushed me, a non-traditional candidate with significant gaps in work experience and varied industry history, to zero in on exactly what I wanted out of the MBA and how to communicate that to my target schools. The results speak for themselves: I was admitted to all schools I applied to (T10 and M7) with 85-100% tuition scholarships at each school.
I knew Personal MBA Coach was different from other consultants I had spoken with after talking to Scott. His generosity, creativity, and genuine willingness to meet the applicant where they are at in the application process and in terms of available resources stood out to me immediately. With his help, we crafted a package precisely tailored to my needs. The level of care and sense of mission with which he treats each applicant cascades through the organization, and I recognized the same qualities of Scott’s approach in the consultant I worked with, MJ Shores.
MJ was a delight from the start. She was curious about the entirety of my story, always searching for useful threads and themes that could be used to craft a compelling narrative for my candidacy. She pushed me to think critically and practically about every aspect of my application, demanding that every element I introduced had a practical application in how the MBA would help me achieve my goals or a practical impact on my story of why I needed to pursue an MBA now. Working with MJ was a rigorous, challenging process that helped me understand exactly what I want out of my MBA, future professional development, and the values I want to champion as a leader.
If you are a non-traditional candidate considering an MBA and feel daunted by the process or like an outsider who this path is not for, call Personal MBA Coach and speak with Scott. Personal MBA Coach gave me the support I needed to make my best possible application I could and I would recommend working with them to every prospective MBA candidate.
I came to Scott wanting to apply to 6+ deferred programs right out of undergrad, with the goal of getting into at least one with my non-traditional background. After an initial consult where he was candid and constructive on my chances and how to improve them, we got right into work crafting goals, application strategies, LOR support, resume editing, and essay writing. Scott would never let more than 24 hours go past without answering any question I posed or providing feedback on one of my drafts. This was no easy task, as all my essays and even short answer responses sometimes reached 10+ versions before they were ready, but Scott was patient and extremely helpful through every step. From brainstorming to final proofing, PMC could not have been better in responsiveness and knowledge of the application process, particularly as it deferred from school to school. Safe to say it was well worth the investment, as I got interviews at ~80% of the schools I applied to and an acceptance to HBS 2+2 (my dream school and the one I will be attending!)
Frenk was absolutely amazing. He worked through the entire admission process with me, breaking it down into simple, accomplishable steps. His understanding and insight into the process, in addition to the information by Personal MBA, was instrumental in my school acceptances. He was understanding, responsive, and super encouraging throughout the whole process.
I spoke with four MBA consultants before deciding to work with Scott and couldn’t be more happy with my decision. I came in with a non-traditional professional background and roughly median test scores for top 10 schools, and Scott helped me get accepted to my top choice M7.
Scott is an exceptional listener. He put in significant effort up front to really understand my story and work with me to craft the optimal coherent narrative to present myself to schools. He helped me every step of the way: from writing my CV, to selecting the right schools, to being strategic with essay topic choices, to managing various priorities when deadlines loomed, to interview prep, and even through the anxious waitlist period. I can confidently say that without Scott I would have probably not gotten into my top choice off of the waitlist.
Scott is the kind of guy who picks up the phone when you call. Having worked in client services for 6 years prior to applying to MBA programs, I can easily say that Scott is top notch in the space. He is consistent, smart, reliable, and knows this arena inside and out. I would highly recommend him to anyone looking for a MBA consultant, especially if you come from a less well-known industry.
MJ brought her vast expertise but a great human side as well. I felt very well accompanied from the tough first school narrowing options to the framing of my story. Nothing went to waste and she was genuinely invested in each step of the way. Always had time to answer all the questions I had regarding this brand new process of MBA admission. I recommend MJ and PersonalMBA Coach, since the entire team felt professional and attuned. You could see and feel the work behind the scenes.
MJ was absolutely incredible to work with. Applying to seven schools all in round 2 was no easy feat, and MJ was very organized and tactical to help me stick to a timeline to get everything done 1 month before the deadlines. She was instrumental in forging my story and brainstorming essay topics, especially when she felt that my initial thoughts / drafts needed further refinement or reframing. Lastly, she was accessible and supportive throughout the entire process, assuaging concerns and celebrating wins.
Worked with MJ at Personal MBA Coach and was admitted to Wharton’s EMBA program. She and the Personal MBA Coach team are so knowledgeable about the process, and a joy to work with. I am so glad that I found them and chose to work with them, and would do so again without hesitation. I strongly recommend MJ and Personal MBA Coach for anyone looking at top executive MBA programs.
I cannot recommend MJ enough. I came in with an essay that lacked direction that I needed to refine. Without MJ’s help I never would have known this. We packed so much into every session. Through working with MJ I not only created a short and long-term goals essay, but I also did deep reflection on my career path and how exactly an MBA is going to help me get there. I was admitted to Booth, my dream school, and I am almost certainly entering this fall. Thank you MJ and the entire personal MBA Coach team!!
Choose Scott & Co. I was a non-traditional candidate with a solid GPA but only mid test scores, aiming to go into a niche MBA area. Scott’s guidance on helping clarify my application choices, best ways to present myself and essay support was invaluable. He and his team have a great system for keeping you on track. Truthfully applying to MBA can be a very isolating and deeply introspective process. Having Scott & Co there makes it easier.
I would highly recommend working with Scott and his team. I was working with a low GPA and average GMAT but Scott went above and beyond to help sharpen my story and connect it with my short and long term goals. He was honest with me throughout the process and was very personable, making it easy to work with him. He and his team were exceptional in helping me edit my essays and crafting a strong story to communicate to schools. I would highly recommend working with Scott if you want best-in-class services and support in getting accepted to your dream MBA program. I always felt that Wharton was a reach for me but with the help of Scott he helped make it a reality.
When I decided to pursue an MBA, the option of choosing a coach was not easy but The Personal MBA Coach and Scott were the perfect choice. I had a very ambitious list of schools I was interested in. And once the process started, they immediately dove in to help shape my story, ensuring it was both authentic and compelling for the programs I applied to. They struck a perfect balance between edits while allowing me to maintain ownership of my narrative. Their guidance also helped me present my achievements in the best possible light while instilling confidence in my story. I was incredibly proud of my essays and short questions by the end of it. Their support during the interview process also played a crucial role, the mock interviews were a great tool that offered detailed feedback that made me feel confident and ready for the actual interview. Ultimately, I received admission offers from four schools with scholarship offers—an outstanding outcome for any MBA aspirant. Scott provided helpful support throughout the entire application process, guiding me in the right direction. His support was invaluable, and I am deeply grateful to him and his team for their assistance.
I approached Scott & team with a very short list of M7 schools I was interested in. They wasted no time in helping come up with a story that was authentic to me and compelling from the lens of adcoms. I ended up with 1 admit and 1 waitlist, which is a great outcome given I only applied to schools I would be thrilled to attend (all can be considered “reach” schools). I really enjoyed watching my story take shape through the multiple rounds of edits with his team; and thought they struck a great balance between the specificity of the edits and still letting me tell my own story. I was proud of the final version of the essays I submitted and really felt like my admission spoke to a great fit between me and this program. Scott & team were also instrumental in my interview prep process, for both individual and team-based interviews. Interviewers for the mock interviews were extremely knowledgeable and provided super thorough feedback afterwards to help me better prepare. I felt ready for the actual interviews.
I had a great experience working with Scott and the Personal MBA Coach team. When I met with Scott, he immediately understood how to translate my niche experience to MBA admissions committees and took the time to explore my goals and interests to help me craft my best applications. Scott also kept me accountable with frequent reminders and his team really pushed me to do my best work when writing essays. The team made sure that I moved through each of the application components in a timely manner while making sure to only move onto the next component when the current one was at its best. I also encountered some personal circumstances during the process and took a pause for a few months. When I contacted Scott to resume working on my applications, he was eager to help me and it genuinely felt like he cared about my success. I would recommend Scott to anyone applying to business school but especially to those who need an accountability partner and are less familiar with the process. I was accepted to all three schools to which I applied.
MJ’s attentiveness and attention to detail, along with her insightful feedback and experienced knowhow on what adcoms want to see, gave me immense confidence in my ability to get accepted into the programs I had applied to. She is friendly and accommodating to busy schedules. Her methodology in tackling the application process is logical and effective and (unlike other consultants) produces significant results. If I had to go back and do everything over, I wouldn’t change a thing as MJ is the real deal!!! Thank you so much!
I highly recommend MJ as a coach. I attended a mock TBD hosted by MJ, and her support and feedback were extremely helpful. I felt really confident going into the final TBD after being prepped by MJ. She highlighted all my strengths and ensured I was able to showcase it. She also gave me pointers to work on and I am thrilled to be admitted to Wharton! You are in good hands with MJ!
Scott and his team were incredibly helpful throughout every step of my MBA application process. I ended up with 3 acceptances and 2 waitlists (out of 5 applications) and over $300K in scholarship money. This was particularly exciting for me as I had initially set my sights on lower-ranked schools, but decided to apply to primarily “reach” schools after Scott encouraged me to aim higher. I have no doubt that Scott’s assistance was instrumental in achieving this outcome, particularly regarding essay reviews and interview preparation. Applying to MBA programs is a daunting experience, and I chose to work with Scott because I didn’t want to leave any stone unturned and wanted to ensure I put together the best applications I possibly could. I am extremely grateful to Scott and his team and have no regrets after working with them. While his services aren’t cheap, I am positive that the investment paid off multiple times over given the amount of scholarship I received, much of which I attribute directly to the quality of my interviews, essays, and overall story.
I reached out to Scott after speaking with a few other consultants, based on reviews that I read online. And it turned out to be one of my best decisions!!! We started work pretty late for someone who wanted to get my applications in for Round 1. Scott and his team were pretty responsive and never once tried to push back on the timelines. The pace at which I received feedback on my application was phenomenal, mostly within 24 hours. I was a tad over experienced for a full-time MBA student and my prospects of getting into a top B-school, let alone an M7 school, was always small. But Scott helped me tell my story effectively, resulting in an admission from an M7 along with a couple of wait-list decisions. Definitely exceeded my expectations in terms of outcome. I highly recommend working with Scott & his team!!!
I had a great experience working with Scott and the Personal MBA Coach Team! Scott was incredibly thorough in helping me with every aspect of the MBA application process. I came to him a little bit later and was still struggling with the standardized test part of my application. He found me a new tutor and within about 5 weeks, my GMAT score had jumped 100 points and we finished my top two applications in time for round one. Scott was professional and realistic in helping me curate a list of schools. The application process working with him is incredibly structured and seamless. He also made himself readily available to answer any question that I had. I would highly recommend working with him and his team!
Scott was super supportive since day one! He is extremely knowledgeable about the process and is exceptionally good at creating specific applications for specific schools. As an ORM with a not-so-stellar GRE score and below average WE, he was able to fine-tune my application which led to interviews at every school I applied! Ultimately, I got into my target school with $$. The combined scholarships received was over $100K!!
MJ played a pivotal role in my successful application to Stanford GSB MSx program. Her expertise and guidance were instrumental in helping me articulate my goals with precision and structure. She assisted me in crafting an objective-focused curriculum that highlighted my strengths, and her support in refining my essays and interview preparation brought out the best in me. MJ’s personalized approach and strategic insights significantly contributed to my acceptance. Highly recommended for anyone seeking tailored and effective coaching for top-tier business school admissions.
I have so many great things to say about Scott, where to begin! I applied as active duty military and had a challenging schedule with a deployment and various periods of limited internet connectivity. Scott worked with me to create a timeline that took these constraints into account, and optimized my availability to get four Round 1 applications done on time. The insight and brainstorming support from his team helped me ensure all my submissions were unique, polished, and authentic to my story and my “why”, resulting in multiple M7 acceptances – including my top choice of HBS! Hiring Scott and Personal MBA Coach was the best choice I made!
Scott is so knowledgeable and helpful. He has been given me such great direction in my Yale SOM process. He possesses so much insight and helpful tips as well as strategies for navigating so many nuances and parts of the process. I appreciated the ways in which he challenged me to fine-tune my materials. For example, in essay writing, I really benefited from how he pushed me to draw connections from my professional/community experiences to what I (at the time as an applicant/prospective) can do on campus in student groups/complement the school’s values and social environment. Furthermore, I appreciated the guidance I received in the interview stage. I received help with some questions I had some difficulty on. In addition, the feedback was very specific/line-by-line and I received guidance on how to structure/organize my thoughts and responses to enhance my concision. I highly recommend him.
Scott helped me bring my voice to my essays and craft a story that was authentic to me. I didn’t want to leave anything on the table when I applied for business school. Scott’s expertise and detailed prep plan supported me at every step of the application process and gave me the structure, direction and confidence to stay focused and motivated. I was beyond proud of each of my applications, and received a top scholarship to my top school (M7).
Scott and his team are incredibly efficient, organized, and helpful. I received an interview invite for every school I applied too (including 2 M7s) and just got into NYU with significant scholarship. I will be hearing back from the other schools in December 2023. (Update: I recently got into Duke ($$ scholarship), NYU ($$ scholarship), Kellogg and Columbia!) Through this process, Scott was patient and provided me with incredible mentorship advice as I went through this MBA journey. I particularly appreciated the essay advice and interview advice. These components really helped my application stand out. I would highly recommend working with Scott!!!
When I reached out to Scott, he responded promptly and was eager to begin our collaboration. Scott acted swiftly and worked closely with me to ensure my application was polished and submitted according to my preferred timeline.
Beyond the genuine care and commitment he demonstrated in shaping my narrative, what truly impressed me during my collaboration with Scott and his team was their talent for prompting thoughtful reflection on the “why.” Scott pushed me to delve deeply into the reasons behind my aspirations and consider the tangible benefits the MBA journey would provide in achieving these goals.
Importantly, Scott played a crucial role in helping me select the right schools for my MBA journey. His insights into various MBA programs were invaluable, and he guided me in aligning my goals with the unique offerings of each school. This comprehensive approach, coupled with the expertise of his team, significantly enhanced the quality of my MBA application. I’m grateful for Scott’s insights, guidance, and strategic input that contributed to a transformative experience in navigating the intricacies of the application process.
I am incredibly grateful for Scott Edinburgh’s guidance throughout my MBA application journey. His strategic insights, personalized advice, and attention to detail were instrumental in shaping my application into a compelling narrative. With his help, I was able to showcase my strengths, experiences, and aspirations effectively. Scott’s expertise not only improved the quality of my essays but also boosted my confidence during interviews. His unwavering support and commitment to my success made all the difference, and I am thrilled to have been admitted to my dream MBA program. Thank you, Scott, for your exceptional guidance and partnership!
Scott was an excellent platform for the entire process, from identifying programs, approaching the application, preparing for the GMAT, the interviews, and post-admission administration. He works with wonderful people and will put you in touch with resources best suited to your needs. I approached Scott less than a month before the final round deadline, considering applying for the next year, and his guidance and confidence was the only reason I attempted applying in under a month. With his and his teams’ help, I could narrow down, distill, and articulate my priorities and was admitted to both programs under a very tight schedule. I highly recommend working with him directly when uncertain of all available opportunities.
MJ and the Personal MBA Coach team were instrumental in my admission success. MJ is knowledgeable and honest and provides actionable feedback. She really helped me believe that I could and would get into business school (I have a non-traditional MBA work background). The Personal MBA Coach essay reviewers made writing multiple essays less painful and greatly improved their quality. I recommend them highly!
I loved working with MJ. As someone who does not do a lot of writing in my work and who has been out of school for a while having MJ to support me through the application process was vital. She was incredibly responsive and patient, and gave me very clear feedback and guidelines. I especially appreciated her help with my essays, as I found writing them to be the most difficult part of the entire process.
Scott is a very enthusiastic and knowledgable consultant. I was up against a tight timeline with my applications, and he turned around his feedback incredibly quickly. I felt at ease navigating the process with him. His insight into the process was invaluable and his guidance helped me streamline my applications greatly. I would highly recommend him for anyone who is intent on business school. Thank you, Scott!
I really enjoyed working with MJ last fall, particularly for my Wharton interview. I attended a group practice TBD that she hosted and I found it extremely helpful. We also did one on one coaching. I went to my interview, feeling very prepared and confident, and I just started at Wharton this fall! Hiring a consultant is definitely an investment, but for me it paid off significantly.
First off, I was admitted into my dream M7 school with the help of Scott. I engaged with Scott when application deadlines were quickly approaching, and I was struggling with getting my standardized test scores in range. From the moment I started working with Scott, I felt like I was in great hands. Scott helped me develop the perfect strategy to play to my strengths, helped me perfect my essays and applications, and answered all of my questions along the way. I couldn’t recommend him enough, and I’ve sent numerous friends his way since I’ve worked with him. My only regret is not working with him sooner in the process – it truly is the best investment you can make if you’re applying to a top business school.
I had a great experience working with Scott! He helped me a lot with narrowing down where to apply and worked with what I had. Made the application process a lot less stressful!
Scott was an absolute pleasure to work with. I did the five school package, and was able to get accepted into 4 of 5 programs, including my top choice. Scott knows how to simplify the process for his clients, and makes a stress filled time in your life a little bit easier. I’d recommend taking advantage of the resume review, the interview prep, and of course, his help in guiding your personal narrative.
I started the MBA application process a tad late and knew I needed some external help to refine my narrative. I contacted Scott, who responded within minutes and was readily available to start digging in. Despite the holiday season, Scott mobilized quickly and helped iterate with me to ensure my application was finalized by my desired timing.
Beyond the care and vested interest he took in shaping my narrative, what struck me most when working with Scott and his team is their ability to make you think about the “why”. Scott pushed me to really think deeply and contemplate why I wanted to achieve certain goals, and the concrete benefits the MBA experience would afford me to help achieve these goals.
That level of thoughtfulness and encouragement is something I doubt other services provide.
I was ultimately accepted into an M7 Ivy – and specifically, my dream school!
HIGHLY RECOMMEND Scott and his team – they are simply the best in the biz
I 100% recommend Scott to anyone who is looking for an early start to their MBA application prep. I took the early planning and comprehensive packages, and that gave me an edge in my applications. Scott has a clear idea of what is and isn’t required for each school and his advice and essay edits are very unique for each school, considering exactly what they look for. He is confident, straightforward, and knows when to say no. As an applicant from a family business background, I received advice on how to best position my background and goals, and that helped me secure an admit to a top M7 school.
Scott was instrumental in my admittance into multiple T7 programs and scholarship awards. When faced with particularly demanding professional and personal demands leading up to round 1 applications, The Personal MBA Coach team was extremely flexible and generous with their time, working tirelessly with me to meet tight deadlines. From application/essay support to interview prep and scholarship negotiating strategy, Scott and his team were with me every step of the way. I owe much of my success to the thoughtful and tailored feedback that The Personal MBA Coach provided throughout the process and I would highly recommend Scott to aspiring students at all stages of their MBA journey.
MJ helped me prepare for Wharton’s team based interview. She broke down what I needed to concentrate on, provided detailed and personalized feedback, and demystified the process for me. It made me feel comfortable and confident going into the interview, and I would not have had the success I did if it was not for her.
I heard about Scott through two cousins who had had a very positive experience working with him. When it came to doing my MBA applications, I knew exactly where to turn for guidance. Scott and his team were crucial in providing step-by-step guidance throughout the application process – from feedback on written pieces to organizing GMAT tutoring and offering advice on timelines/deadlines. Everyone I interacted with was extremely insightful and prompt to respond, making the process extremely smooth. I can’t imagine a more capable and helpful consultant to work with. Thanks again for everything, Scott!!!
MJ’s experience, ample availability, helpful tips, and thorough interview prep helped me with expressing the pivot of my distinctly non-formal business background as a set of viable goals post-graduation. I applied to 7 T10 programs and was admitted to my top 3 choices, including Chicago Booth. I would absolutely recommend MJ’s services for anyone, but especially those who may be concerned with their background and stats. Thank you, MJ!
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