Stacy Blackman Consulting | MBA Admissions Consultants

I was a bit skeptical about using an MBA consultant, but Geri made every meeting and minute worth it. In addition to knowing the ins and outs of the HBS admissions process (and applying that to other schools), she is an amazing listener and word-smither when it comes to essays. She has a great eye for detail and caught little typos and mistakes that I had missed in my apps. She made herself flexible to my calendar and was always available when I needed her.

In addition to close review of my applications to multiple schools, she also helped me understand my business school story more broadly so that I would be best prepared for coffee chats, visit weekends, and interviews.

To anyone considering hiring a consultant, definitely have a conversation with SBC and Geri and see if it would be a right fit for you! I would highly recommend it!

Emma was so helpful throughout the application process and I am incredibly grateful for the exceptional guidance and support! With her expertise and former admissions committee experience, I was able to effectively showcase my strengths and achievements in my applications. I was admitted to every school I applied to, including receiving a full-ride offer. Her insights and strategic approach were invaluable, and she made the entire application process much less intimidating. I highly recommend her services to anyone pursuing an MBA!

There is not enough appreciation, thankfulness and words to describe how I feel after working with Anthony. I keep saying he was an angel that joined me in my application journey. Even though I only purchased the 5 hours package, he made it work! He understood what I wanted to portray on my application and made sure I was doing it correctly. At the same time, he made sure we were using the hours efficiently to achieve all I needed in those 5 hours. Anthony is super responsive and communicative. I highly recommend Anthony. He will keep you one track not only in the applications but also mentally (as this process is full of opinions). I applied to 4 universities and got into 3/4 with a scholarship in one of them.

My experience with Yvette was exceptional. I am a Mexican reapplicant, and I faced the challenge of a less-than-ideal GMAT score, which I believed to be a weakness in my application. It was crucial for me to collaborate with someone who could grasp the nuances of my non-traditional background and my status as a foreigner with a different cultural perspective.

Yvette diligently reviewed my previous application, providing insightful feedback on areas for improvement. She explained the importance of effectively portraying myself through my essays. We delved deeply into my personal stories, refining them to enhance the overall impact of my application. Yvette was candid in pointing out the aspects that needed improvement.

I applied to five top-tier schools and successfully gained admission to two of them: Chicago Booth and Kellogg. I am extremely satisfied with the results and grateful to have worked with Yvette throughout this process

-Final note- Spanish
Para mí, encontrar a alguien que pudiera asesorarme entendiendo la cultura latina fue muy importante. Yvette me ayudó a armar mi historia de forma que el equipo de admisiones entendiera mi contexto cultural.
Estoy muy agradecida por el trabajo para mi aplicación.

Working with Beth was an exceptional experience and I am so thankful for all of her help and thoughtful advice. She was able to match my “type-A” personality and always made herself available to me.

Beth has tremendous industry knowledge, great writing skills, and is organized and prompt. These skills are probably true of many other consultants. However, as I evaluated other consultants to work with, the one thing that truly stood out about Beth was her compassion and empathy.

Personally, I wanted to work with someone who lead with kindness and didn’t view me as just another client. I felt like Beth genuinely cared about my success and that was huge for me. As someone who had doubts about my application/narrative/qualifications, Beth reaffirmed my confidence and helped me relax through a stressful period. With her help, I was able to get into two of my top choices: Kellogg and Tuck.

I will also note that the SBC leadership and organization was great to work with. Whether it was the “flight test” review of my application, or helping me find a consultant (Beth), I have high praise for SBC.

This process is an arduous journey, but with the help of Beth I am confident that others will find success as well.

Cannot recommend her enough!!

Mindy was an incredible resource throughout the application process. She asked the right questions to bring out the key points I wanted to land through my essays, and provided constructive and supportive feedback that ensured I was conveying my authentic story in a cohesive and compelling manner. She was willing to jump in on quick timelines, and served as a sounding board not only for my essays, the core part of my engagement with her, but on the application process more broadly. I truly believe she was a core part in reaching my goals in the MBA app process!

I was matched with Yvette and worked with her from the start of the application process. She provided valuable, and critical, know-how around the MBA application process that significantly improved my application and resulted in me being accepted to my top-choice schools.

She worked with me to schedule meetings across multiple time zones, jump on last minute calls, and provide pointed feedback – which allowed me to meet rapidly approaching application deadlines.

Beyond advising my MBA application, Yvette was a consultant on my career path, culture at the various schools, and more. In working with Yvette, I knew I had found a trusted MBA-application expert, but also a friend who has my best interest at heart.

I recommend Yvette and the SBC team without hesitation.

Geri was my primary consultant, and she was absolutely lovely! She was always extremely quick to respond while still showing me that my application mattered to her. Using her experience as a former Admissions Officer at HBS, she gave me excellent advice and was instrumental in curating my applications, leading to admission to Chicago Booth, Northwestern Kellogg, Wharton (with scholarship), MIT Sloan (with scholarship), and Dartmouth Tuck (with substantial scholarship). Geri went above and beyond by not only reviewing my general application, but also setting up regular calls for us, workshopping my resume and essays, participating in a mock interview with me, and acting as an amazing sounding board.

My experience with Stacy Blackman went beyond Geri, though, and the team-based influence and support was clear from the start! Esther acted quickly and kindly to match me with Geri, Geri did a stellar job addressing my questions and application needs, Beth (former Admissions Officer) provided great insight during my Flight Test, and Anthony (former Wharton Admissions Officer) ensured I was prepared during my Wharton mock Team Based Discussion. I also had access to resources like the Vault database, which allowed me to read advice and information about many schools from different perspectives.

When I was initially choosing a consulting firm, I was overwhelmed with options and not sure where to turn. Stacy Blackman came to me by a personal referral who gained admission to Wharton after working with SBC, and I am so glad I took his advice!

SBC offers a unique and effective approach to MBA admissions. With Beth’s individualized guidance, a team-based support system, and a wealth of resources, SBC goes above and beyond to ensure your application stands out. My successful admissions results speak volumes about the quality and impact of their services. If you are serious about securing a spot in a top MBA program, SBC is the consulting firm that will make a difference.

As a transitioning veteran, navigating the MBA admissions process seemed overwhelming. I had been recommended SBC by a mentor at Kellogg and I could not have asked for a better consultant than Kerry. Kerry took the time to gain a deep understanding of my background and was able to focus in on key strengths and how best to highlight those throughout multiple applications, essays and interviews. With her guidance, I was successfully able to gain admission and scholarship offers to six schools, including multiple schools consistently ranked in the Top 10.

I cannot recommend SBC and Kerry enough, especially if you’re coming from a non-traditional candidate background and need help conveying your experience. This was the best decision I made with regards to my MBA journey this past year.

Deanna with Stacy Blackman Consulting was an incredibly valuable resource to me as I navigated the MBA admissions process. My background is in public arts education and Deanna helped me frame my nontraditional background as an asset rather than a concern. Deanna was easy to reach and was a clear communicator. She took an interest in me as a person, which enriched our working relationship and helped her give me very specific, helpful feedback. With her guidance I was able to obtain a T20 MBA Admit with scholarship!

While Deanna was my primary consultant, the biggest benefit of SBC was the depth of their team and the breadth of their experience. This depth and breadth are what set them apart from other consulting firms that I looked at. From my initial discussion with Sarah, to my flight test with Lisa, a former AdComm member, I felt I was being guided by people who could give me targeted advice based on their lived experiences with MBA admissions. If you are serious about getting admitted into the top programs, it is well worth the investment to seek out their expertise!

In 2023, I purchased 5 hours of services from Stacy Blackman, and I was assigned to work with Anthony. After I was rejected from my top choices in my first year, Anthony supported me complementarily in my second attempt and greatly contributed to my admissions to Wharton, Columbia, and Tuck in 2024. (pls note I didn’t retake GRE/GMAT)

My experience with Anthony couldn’t be better. I believe he connects with you not only at a consultant level but at a personal level and you can feel his genuine care about you achieving your goals. His expertise in MBA admissions (especially for Wharton) is deep and he has a great eye for what should be done and what shouldn’t be. This makes him an incredible tactical and strategic asset while writing essays, prepping for interviews, or through the application process/communications with AdCom. Furthermore, Anthony is quite accommodating with tight deadlines and always super responsive (even over the weekends). Overall, if you’re aiming for Wharton and need support from a consultant, I can’t think of a better consultant than Anthony.

Amy was an amazing consultant to work with. As a LatAm applicant with a relatively low GRE score, she kept me motivated through these incredibly stressful journey and helped me focus on my key personal and professional strengths to portray in my applications, and also helped me select the MBA programs that made the best fit for me. I appreciated how direct and candid she was and how she helped me resolve all of my doubts and concerns in a clear and concise way. Her insights and experience from being a former admissions committee member were truly invaluable. Amy was always available to jump on a call at anytime to review my essays or discuss any topic regarding my applications.

The SBC team was very professional and responsive throughout my journey and would highly recommend them. One of SBC’s most useful resources is the Flight test, where another consultant reviews your application, acting as a member of admissions in an MBA program and providing critical feedback. Beth Tidmarsh was extremely helpful as an external consultant by reviewing my essays with a fresh set of eyes and pointing out the strengths and weaknesses of my application. Another great resource is the pool of sample essays that the SBC team makes available from different programs.

I was immediately engaged after the intro call to SBC with Bill Chionis’s who also helped me make my match with Amy, and Toni Pollak was always available to solve any doubts and help me create my profile.

I couldn’t be more excited for my multiple admits and can’t thank the SBC team enough for their help!

Rui was amazing to work with every step of the way. She gave me the personalized guidance and confidence I needed to get into Kellogg, which was my top choice school. I purchased the hourly package and Rui really stretched our time together, helping me with every part of the process (from resume review and brainstorming essays to interview prep.) Rui always gave the most thoughtful advice and had so much knowledge about Kellogg and the kinds of qualities/experiences that their admissions committee wants to see. She also responded almost immediately to all of my communications and had a very quick turnaround time when reviewing anything – she almost always got things back to me within the same day. It was so apparent how much Rui enjoyed working with me through the admissions process and I would recommend her to anyone, but especially to anyone who is interested in Kellogg. She is the expert!

I worked with Sherry on my Fuqua 2023 Round 1 application to Duke Fuqua (Class of 2026). Duke Fuqua was my target program and as a sponsored candidate that had a lower GRE quant score, Sherry was amazing in helping me refine my admissions essays, provide perspective on how to demonstrate quantitative readiness and proficiency, and was a great sounding board as I approached all aspects of the application. Sherry was extremely detail oriented and even helped me understand the Fuqua culture to not overdress for the interview! Sherry was incredibly thorough and quick in her reviews, which helped immensely as I balanced a difficult personal and professional life leading up to my application and admission decision. I recommend that if you are aiming for Duke Fuqua (or any other top MBA program) to work with Sherry and SBC!

As a reapplicant, I needed someone to help me highlight my strengths and make me stand out. Dawn helped me do all that and more – she is why I got admitted into GSB. She went over every part of my application with a fine tooth comb and made me make edits until every part was virtually perfect. She gets results. She knows these programs inside and out and, more importantly, how to help you get there. She maximizes your potential; if you are in two minds, I cannot recommend her enough.

Because Ashley worked in HBS admissions, she shared incredible insights on how to prepare and helped me anticipate the curve ball questions the interviewer would ask me. Without her help, I would not have passed the interviews. But thanks to her expertise, she helped me prepare for the range and surprise questions in the interview. Her help was invaluable and worth every single penny. Not only did her prep help me with HBS, it also helped me gain admittance to GSB. I recommend Ashley without hesitation.

Mark is elite at what he does, full stop. He understands the value of both your time as an applicant, but also his own time as a consultant and, because of this, he is highly effective and efficient in his feedback and communication throughout the application process. Mark is proactive in planning out the application timeline and smartly prioritized all four of my B-School applications I had outlined for Round 1.

Working with Mark was critical to being accepted into my top-priority MBA programs. I was also able to use his guidance and feedback to improve all my other applications as well; resulting in a 4/4 acceptance rate in Round 1!

10/10 would recommend working with Mark to anyone looking to apply to top U.S. or International Business Schools.

I was blown away by how knowledgeable Mark was about every aspect of the LBS application process, as well as how hands-on he was with ensuring that my entire application package was of the highest possible standard. I truly believe Mark was instrumental in my LBS acceptance, and highly recommend him to anyone looking to apply to an MBA program (whether at LBS or elsewhere)!

I was lucky to have Emma in my corner throughout the application process. I was accepted into my top-choice school — it would not have been possible without her! Her support was invaluable. As a former MBA Admissions Officer, she offered unique insights into the application process. I believe that her greatest strength was helping me clearly express myself throughout the entire application. We spent a lot of time crafting strong essays highlighting my strengths and story. I highly recommend working with Emma — you will be in great hands!

Laura was an amazing consultant to work with throughout my journey in applying to Graduate Schools for Business. Laura was incredibly helpful and provided a hands-on detailed approach. I would not have succeeded in my graduate school applications without her!!! I am super grateful for my experience with Laura. She helped me along every step of the way, from finding schools that would be a good fit, to filling out my application, to considering possible ways to respond to essay prompts, to helping me with the actual essays. Through Laura’s assistance, I will accepted for admittance into my top school!

Sarah was an exceptional coach. She gave me the confidence to trust that I did have the right background despite being a non-traditional applicant, and helped me to structure all the elements of my story into a narrative that could really resonate with the schools. Not only did it get me into 3 top business schools, it also helped me land an almost full ride scholarship. The benefits of her coaching go further than admission though, as I find that I now have a have powerful story that I have been able to successfully leverage when recruiting for summer internships, and undoubtedly beyond

I was admitted at London Business EMBA program, and I am pretty sure, if I didn’t have Mark on my side as a consultant, my journey would have been much harder.

I don’t think I could have ever had a better consultant, he is honest and works with a high integrity, spending time only where it’s needed, so the applicant doesn’t need to pay unnecessary costs. He did a fantastic job with me and I had an absolutely great experience in working with him. I highly recommend him, especially if you are applying for London Business School or other European business schools.

Laura was incredibly helpful in my MBA application journey. I would recommend her to anyone applying to business school who wants to put their best foot forward.

I decided to apply in late summer. I was shooting for Round 2, without having taken the GRE, after having recently been part of a RIF and coming from a consumer marketing background, without typical consulting or math experience. Laura’s guidance gave me confidence that I was on the right path. She helped me hone my narrative, fine-tuned the details of each element of my application and encouraged me throughout. She was always available and her feedback was timely and thoughtful. Thanks to our work together, I was accepted to three out of the four schools I applied to — NYU Stern, UCLA Anderson and Berkeley Haas. I also received scholarships from both Stern and Haas.

My successful applications are the result of Laura’s coaching, I am proud of our work together.

Embarking on my application journey was an initially daunting prospect, but Alex’s exceptional consulting services quickly alleviated my concerns. His distinctive trait is his patient approach. He spent time to understand my aspirations and strengths, facilitating deep self-reflection which allowed me to effectively portray my achievements and tailor a compelling narrative for my application.

Alex’s profound knowledge of the program to which I applied provided me with strategic insights that proved invaluable. His detailed understanding of the specific application requirements and expectations, coupled with consistent, clear communication, instilled confidence and ensured my application was both accurate and impactful.

Alex’s blend of personal understanding, strategic knowledge, and unwavering patience has truly enhanced my application experience. I would wholeheartedly recommend his services to any prospective applicant who is seeking thorough, personalized guidance in the competitive world of admissions.

I came to Stacy Blackman as a re-applicant to the B-schools. That’s when I interacted with Laura. She was very calm, patient and highly responsive in her approach. She listened to my story understood my goals and aspirations and advised me accordingly. Her suggestions were extremely helpful. The best part was that she was extremely reassuring during the tough times and that made me think optimistically. I got into one of my top choices school with a very significant scholarship, thanks to Laura’s guidance and support. I highly recommend working with her..

My journey with Stacy Blackman Consulting was transformative, and I couldn’t be more satisfied with my experience. From the get-go, the service was top-notch. It started with an illuminating call with Bill, who provided valuable insights and helped me connect with several exceptional consultants. I chose Margaret, whose passion, expertise, and demeanor resonated with me instantly.

As a non-traditional student, I knew there would be obstacles to gaining admission to a top 15 program. Margaret was very straightforward in explaining the depth of those barriers and her plan for overcoming each one. Her constructive feedback, coupled with her motivating approach to the hard work required helped me develop the most compelling story I could tell. It was more than just guidance; she acted as my mentor, pushing me to constantly improve.

Margaret’s seasoned advice enriched every stage of the MBA application process. Among the most noteworthy, she helped me comprehend the value of networking with current students and conducting comprehensive research about my prospective schools. While initially, I wasn’t sure how these efforts would manifest in my application, I now understand that they were pivotal not only in strengthening my application but also in preparing me for the rigorous academic environment of a top MBA program.

It’s not an exaggeration to say that I owe my successful admission to one of my target schools to Margaret’s outstanding coaching. The skillful strategies she recommended, her constant encouragement, and her unwavering confidence in me all played a significant role in my accomplishment. To anyone seeking a top-tier MBA application consultant, I highly recommend Margaret at Stacy Blackman Consulting, whose professional expertise, dedication, and personalized approach made a lasting impression on me.

Geri is incredibly knowledgeable about the MBA application process and what makes a good application. She was wonderfully patient with me throughout the process and gave specific and very actionable points of feedback. She was also great at identifying the strong aspects of my candidacy and really helped me ensure that those aspects shined through in my application. I would 100% recommend her to anyone who is considering applying to a top MBA program (especially HBS) and has the means to afford SBC’s services.

Amy was the consummate professional right from the beginning. My biggest regret is not working with her sooner. Every single interaction I had with her was overwhelmingly positive, even when she was delivering candid feedback on my application. After just one phone call she could tell the type of applicant I was, and was very flexible in focusing on the areas that we both agreed would make the most impact as a re-applicant. She was generous with her time and always responded in a timely manner, especially as we approached various application deadlines. While my only goal was starting a FTMBA program in 2023 coming into it, I am starting at one of my top choices in just a few weeks with some scholarship money that I never expected to receive. What I appreciated most was her candor in setting expectations on my chances with each program I was applying to from the beginning, but not letting that deter us either. I had a weak GPA, and Amy made sure we were able to overcome that and now I’m eagerly waiting to get started in my program soon!

I was recommended to Mark through a friend who had worked with him the previous year. I was a late round applicant with limited time. Crafting a concise and impactful essay and answers to the application questions can be quite a challenge. As I had a very diverse set of experiences and longer working history, it was difficult to summarize it all into a good pitch. Mark helped me synthesize my story into the essentials and get the “most bang for the buck” to create maximum impact. He knows exactly what the adcoms are looking for and helped me cut out the fluff. His many years of experience working with hundreds of candidates are clearly visible in the way he works – very efficient, concise, professional. Working with him was incredibly smooth, he was always available to answer any of my questions via email or phone. I felt very well supported and prepared to submit my application after having worked with him. He also gave me many tips along the way on how to interact with the admissions staff, what to focus on in the interview and how to manage offers/negotiation. I would definitely work with him again and recommend him to anyone.

I worked with Deanna this past year on my applications. She was incredibly helpful in formulating my story and making it stand out, as I am an ORM in an overrepresented field. She was a massive help in editing my resume and essays and was a great sounding board for different ideas. She was also a great help in getting organized and ready to meet all my deadlines – I had a very busy application season as I was applying to 7 different schools. Ultimately, I accepted an offer with an 80K scholarship to Anderson, one of my top choices, and I could not be happier with the outcome.

I am thrilled to share my experience working with Mark O’Brien, who played a pivotal role in my successful admission to LBS. From the very beginning of our engagement, his expertise was evident, and I couldn’t have asked for a better guide on this challenging journey.

Right from our initial consultation, Mark displayed a deep understanding of the MBA admissions process and an impressive knowledge of LBS’ unique requirements. He perfectly analyzed my profile, taking into account my international experiences, professional background, and personal aspirations. His insightful questions allowed me to delve deeper into my goals, helping me articulate a compelling narrative that set me apart from other candidates.

The guidance he provided for my essays and personal statement was invaluable. He was very responsive and timely in providing feedback. Our mock interview and case study sessions were extremely helpful in preparing me for the admissions interview, giving me the confidence to effectively communicate my motivations and ambitions.

Thanks to my Mark’s guidance, I was admitted to London Business School, a dream come true for me. I firmly believe that his exceptional expertise and personalized approach were instrumental in securing my place. I wholeheartedly recommend Mark and SBC to anyone aspiring to pursue an MBA or seeking guidance on the challenging admissions process.

John is incredibly knowledgeable of the B-School admissions process, especially for Kellogg! Working with John was a pleasure – he provided valuable, direct feedback throughout the application process and always in a timely and efficient manner. It’s also evident that John really cares about his clients and knows when to step in as a cheerleader to help push through the inevitable periods of doubt that can occur throughout the process. If you’re looking for a consultant to help you maximize your chances of admission, John’s going to help you get there!

I had a very non traditional educational background. My GPA & GMAT score were not as competitive as my peers so I had assumed my chances of getting into a top MBA program would be slim to none. I contacted multiple consultants to figure out what my chances are and they all told me it would be difficult to get in. I found Deanna who completely changed that for me. She specifically worked on my essays and honed on my strengths to really exemplify what I will bring to my MBA program. She took my weaknesses and turned them to strengths. She not only helped me get my essays to a point where I felt comfortable in them but also boosted my confidence and capabilities in attending a top MBA program. She was so amazing to work with and I am forever grateful for her help. I’m officially attending my dream MBA program and I could not be more excited.

Alex has been a great resource during applications. I was hesitant to use consulting assistance due to the high cost, but I think that it was worth it for keeping me on track and explaining the process. Alex is very responsive and will read your essays well into the night, even at crunch time, which I appreciated. He’s a talented writer and helps bring out the best content and cut fluff. Being budget-conscious, my overall process was: take notes from Adam Markus blog, 1 hour with Alex on essay topics and strategy, then writing and proofreading with 2 trusted friends, then 2-3 hours of back and forth proofreading with Alex, and finally 1 hour of miscellaneous work like resume, etc. I found that the overall value of consulting was logarithmic – invaluable at first and less relevant as the application becomes more polished and suggestions become more stylistic rather than practical. Overall, I think it was a worthwhile expense, because it reduced the stress of possibly missing something, and because it saved me time (whole process took less than two weeks).

Meg and the whole SBC organization was a huge reason I was accepted to Chicago Booth. Coming from an engineering background I knew almost nothing about business school and left to my own devices my applications and essays would have been ridiculously insufficient. Early on, Meg asked the deep probing questions about my MBA motivations which she pulled from her past as a B-School adcom, which helped me not only present a strong case but also helped me put words to my previously unverbalized goals.

Throughout the application process Meg gave detailed, and sometimes harsh feedback, making sure the best aspects of myself were presented. This candid feedback helped me tremendously. Additionally, the resources the SBC community provides to applicants are unbelievably helpful and provided answers to many of my questions I couldn’t find online.

Overall, my experience was overwhelmingly positive. Despite being rejected by several of my top options early on and waitlisted at the others, Meg helped me craft updates and provided moral support while I waited. In the end I think her guidance gave me the edge I needed to be accepted to my top target school.

Because admissions consultants represent such a significant investment, I wanted to make sure I worked with a consultant who’d have a night-and-day impact on my Kellogg application. But, it was challenging to evaluate that before committing to move forward with one firm.

I’m sharing this review of Beth because she was exactly what I was looking for. In my admissions call, the admissions officer told me one of my application reviewers said they were hard-pressed to find anything wrong with my application. Beth made a significant impact on my application in two ways:

(1) In all areas of the application, especially the essays, she maximized the portion of content that Kellogg admissions officers care about. Before working with Beth, I had iterated my essays several times and thought they were in a decent spot. After she reviewed, it turned out only a small fraction was content Kellogg admissions officers actually care about. We worked together to maximize the portion of the content admissions officers care about and pared down the rest.

(2) While I had a high-level idea of what a good application looked like, I didn’t have a crystal clear picture, and as a consequence, I found I would iterate on application components much more than necessary because I wanted to be sure they were as good as possible. Beth let me know when each one was in a good state so I could focus my time effectively, and that allowed me to put adequate effort into every portion of the application.

There’s nothing magic in those two items, which is why I recommend her so highly: I’m confident that her impact on my application is repeatable with any application. I could tell in working with her that she’s evaluated thousands of Kellogg applications, and that makes her uniquely suited to advise in those two areas.

Working with Laura has been an invaluable experience. Her expertise has been instrumental in boosting my confidence throughout interview preparations and while finalizing essays. She has also helped me navigate the often confusing admissions process with ease. Her input and advice have been second to none, making the journey towards my MBA less daunting. I honestly cannot think of anyone else I would have wanted by my side during this process. I wholeheartedly recommend Laura if you’re pursuing an MBA and want to streamline your admissions process.

Working with John on SBC’s 2-school package, I was accepted into both HBS and Kellogg’s MMM program. I would not have been able to do this without him. He helped me connect seemingly disparate parts of my life, career arc, and interests to create narratives crafted specifically for each school and essay. He was extremely engaged and bought into my success while we worked together. He both believed in me and challenged me – two things that were invaluable throughout the process. I highly recommend working with John!

I came into my MBA process behind. I was laid off in January and began brainstorming pretty soon thereafter. Most people looking to join the class of 2025 at any school had already submitted applications by the time I began brainstorming!

I started working with Laura in February and she was reassuring of my application and school goals while still being honest with what an uphill battle I would have applying in the final round of most of my targets. After discussing with her I added 3 safety programs alongside Kellogg, Fuqua, Darden and Kenan-Flagler.

She quality checked my work, offered strategic advice, shared examples and kept me on the right track. As an overly ambitious and efficient person I completed 7 applications and took a standardized test in the month and a half I worked with Laura. I had originally purchased 5 hours of her time but then added an additional one hour to finish out my prep. She helped me nail my interviews and gave me the confidence I needed to go for it but kept me humble with a healthy skepticism that I may not get into my top programs.

Ultimately, I am so proud and grateful to say I got into all 7 MBA programs I applied to and received scholarships to 6 of the 7 programs. I truly don’t think I could have done it without Laura’s quick reviews, always on advice and reassuring presence.

Don’t think twice! Laura helped me immensely and I know she will help you too!

As a non-traditional applicant, I was worried about being admitted to a competitive business school program. Beth helped me organize and execute an effective strategy of presenting myself to accentuate my strengths and acknowledge my areas for growth. She was direct in her feedback, which helped make the time I spent on my application efficient and effective. In my experience, I felt that she not only cared about my application, but also me as an individual. I cannot recommend Beth highly enough!

Sarah made what can be a very overwhelming process feel manageable and personalized. From the start, Sarah encouraged me to reflect deeply on my story, my motivation for pursuing an MBA and my career aspirations. She took the time to understand what’s important to me and pushed me use every opportunity to convey that in my application. Sarah’s advice at each stage of the process was invaluable and her support enabled me to navigate the ups and downs of the application with confidence and optimism. Her feedback was straightforward and thoughtful and she was always available to talk through essay drafts or interview prep. She is incredibly experienced, knowledgeable, and genuine, and I am so grateful I had the opportunity to work with her. I would recommend Sarah to anyone applying to a top tier MBA program.

I worked with Laura Nelson at Stacy Blackman Consulting.

Laura’s expertise, quick turn around and guidance through my application journey helped me land an admit to McCombs UT Austin. I could not imagine my success without her help. I strongly recommend her. Thank you Laura and Stacy Blackman for being so responsive and helping me on my application.

Beth is the best!!! I’m beyond thrilled with admits & scholarships to Haas, Anderson, and Marshall! I can’t thank Stacy Blackman Consulting and Beth enough! After researching various firms, I chose SBC for their genuine care and professionalism. Beth, a former Admissions Officer, became my guiding light throughout the process. She expertly helped me craft authentic and compelling applications that showcased my true self. The whole SBC team’s support and resources made my MBA journey a breeze. I wholeheartedly recommend SBC, and Beth in particular, to anyone seeking top MBA admissions. Beth went above and beyond, and I would work with her again in a heartbeat if I had to do it all over again!

I had the pleasure of working with Caryn during my application process. She was amazing from the start. I knew going into this that the M7 was going to be a long shot (it is for everyone, but given my on-paper stats in particular, I knew every single element needed to be absolutely perfect to give myself the best possible shot).

Caryn was always on top of ensuring that I kept all deadlines in mind – quite a challenge given multiple simultaneous apps along with full-time work. She would also tell things as they were (no sugarcoating!) because she knew I needed to hear them.

During the interview prep, Caryn was instrumental in guiding me through being comfortable with the interview in a digital setting and offering different strategies tailored to my personality.

Ultimately, I got accepted into my dream school (T3!!), which I would never have previously thought possible!

I could not have been matched with a better consultant! I highly recommend working with Caryn!!!

I worked with Sherry on multiple MBA applications and worked with her to submit waitlist updates for my number one choice. I purchased 5 hours of time and felt like Sherry was very efficient with her time. She was very honest in her evaluation of my profile and provided great feedback. I was shocked by how quickly she was able to respond to my questions and review my ideas regardless of the day that I sent them to her. She is extremely helpful I highly recommend her to anyone looking for an MBA consultant.

When being matched with potential SBC consultants, I specifically requested if John could help me with an all-in package and he agreed. Upon first reading through his profile, he had a very similar background to me and was an MBA graduate of Kellogg, which is my dream school. We had great chemistry from our first call and he truly did a phenomenal job coaching me throughout the application journey and managing my expectations.

John is extremely knowledgeable about the MBA application process and talented at helping prospective applicants craft their authentic stories. He is lightning-quick with his written feedback, essay revisions, and resume edits. John was always accessible and very accommodating to my busy work schedule to find times to meet and go over materials. Whenever I had doubts, John was my personal cheerleader and reminded me that I wasn’t giving myself enough credit.

I am not a good test taker, so my GMAT was not high. Therefore, I decided to apply with a GMAT waiver and was worried that my application would lose its competitiveness. However, John gave me confidence that with my high GPA from a well-known undergrad institution and unique work experiences, I could make a strong application and demonstrate I was somebody who fit Kellogg’s community. We did mock interviews and very similar questions showed up during the real interview. I felt extremely prepared for this.

Ultimately, I got accepted into my dream school and am very excited about this opportunity. I could not have done it alone and am incredibly grateful for John’s help throughout this process. There were many things I was naive about in the MBA application process that John educated me on to make my application stand out from the crowd.

HIGHLY RECOMMEND John to anybody with their MBA Admissions Consulting needs. I would give him a 10-star rating if I could.

I feel so lucky to have paired with Alex. Time and my low GMAT score were significant detriments, but Alex made it work since I got accepted to Kellogg! He is highly knowledgeable and helped me curate an application that overcame my low GMAT and highlighted my leadership skills and international experience. Alex was motivating and answered all my burning questions throughout the excruciatingly stressful process. He is also a phenomenal editor who helped me polish my essays. I truly believe he was instrumental in helping me overcome my low GMAT and tailoring a story to showcase that I’m more than just my GMAT score. My sincerest gratitude to Alex!

As a nontraditional applicant to business school (physician looking to make a career pivot), I was coming into the process with some knowledge, but knowing I may need someone with more expertise to help me stand out. I was fortunate to be paired with Alex, who went above and beyond to ensure my success.

From the outset, Alex’s attentiveness and straight-shooting approach were invaluable in helping me secure admission to some of the top business schools in the country, including Kellogg, Ross, McCombs, and Kenan-Flagler. His in-depth knowledge of the application process and his ability to communicate effectively made me feel confident and well-prepared every step of the way. He was able to filter things down on a granular level to highlight my strengths and background. We went over each essay in detail to tailor them specifically and I know they would not have been nearly as compelling without his help.

What sets Alex apart from other consultants is not only his expertise in the admissions process but also his genuine commitment to his clients. He was always extremely responsive to my questions and concerns, providing prompt and clear answers that addressed my needs. I never felt rushed or dismissed; instead, I felt like I had a true partner who cared about my success and was willing to go the extra mile to help me achieve it.

Even after our official consulting period had ended, Alex continued to follow up with me multiple times, assisting me in the crucial decision-making process of which school to choose. This level of dedication and personal involvement is rare to find in today’s fast-paced, results-driven world, and it speaks volumes about Alex’s character and his resolve to help his clients succeed. Ultimately I chose Michigan Ross, Go Blue!

I cannot recommend Alex highly enough as an MBA consultant for anyone seeking expert guidance and support in their business school journey. He is not only an attentive and responsive professional but also a genuine and compassionate individual who truly goes above and beyond to help his clients reach their goals. Thanks to Alex, I have the incredible opportunity to study at a top-tier business school and embark on a life-changing new chapter in my career.

I was very lucky to have Mark on my side during the MBA application. As I had relatively high GMAT score and past experience in M&A, I thought the only way I could fail in getting into my desired program was through the essays. And boy was I right…

I only applied to one program, no backup.

Mark really deeply understands the small details of crafting a standout application that gets through to adcoms, while keeping everything that you truly are in the picture. Honestly, it felt great to understand myself and my desires on a deeper level and being able to put those thoughts on paper. Why am I here, why do I want this, is this the right choice, and if so, why..? It was a really introspective experience.

He was really helpful throughout the whole journey, answered all my questions in a very clean way immediately… all-in-all, a great experience.

If you feel like you need help with your application, trust me, most of the time you actually do. And Mark is the right person to guide you through your journey.