Stacy Blackman Consulting | MBA Admissions Consultants

Working with Beth was an absolute pleasure! She is a true expert in all things MBA; she reviewed every product I provided with the utmost care, providing constructive and insightful feedback at every step of the way. Our mock interviews completely prepared me for the real thing and I would highly recommend her services to anyone who’s serious about admission. Thank you, Beth!

I worked with Christine on my applications to UVA Darden and Columbia Business School as an all-in customer and was admitted to both with significant scholarships. When I initially connected with Christine almost a year in advance of submitting my application, I was really unsure of the strength of my profile as a candidate and whether my MBA goals were realistic. Christine did an amazing job of helping me lay out all of my experience and clearly define my short and long-term goals in a way that made me realize I was a strong candidate. She provided a detailed timeline for when I should begin and conclude working on each piece of my application, outlining specific steps and potential challenges to anticipate along the way (she was also very helpful in nudging me to keep the ball rolling whenever I started falling behind schedule). Christine was extremely patient with me as we reviewed multiple iterations of my resume and essays, answering all questions that I had on even the most minute details. She also provided clear guidance on how to navigate discussions with my recommender as well as how to best approach networking chats with current students and alumni of each school. Once I received interview invites, we performed a mock interview that helped me touch up some of my responses and gain confidence that I was well prepared. Ultimately, working with Christine allowed me to craft my story in a way that really resonated with each school. Her support was invaluable and I would recommend working with Christine to anyone who wants to ensure their application and chances of admission are at their absolute best!

It was an absolute delight to work with Jennifer! First of all, she is such a sweet and delightful person to engage with, and I highly enjoyed every call I had with her. She is incredibly knowledgeable about the application process for each top-tier college, end-to-end, and can answer any question you might have. It was incredibly reassuring to work with Jennifer to better understand the long process and be straightforward about upcoming deadlines and urgencies. She takes a real interest in getting to know you and your story better, and I could not recommend her enough!

Alex has been a great support throughout the application process. I was connected with him after an initial consultation, and from our first call he went above and beyond to accommodate all my questions, concerns, and perspectives. What I appreciated most was the clear strategy with milestones, and minimal unknowns. I worked with Alex on five M7 schools and received three acceptances, including one from H/S/W.
He helped me immensely with how to approach the essays, what to highlight, and how to create a strong flow. Alex has what it takes to build compelling stories, narratives, and tone, and he succeeded in transforming my unique experiences into a cohesive story that truly resonates. I also appreciated that he was always on top of things and made sure we were following the plan.
His interview preparation was extremely helpful. He gave me honest feedback and very specific advice that I leveraged in my interviews and that definitely made a difference. He even went a step further by staying on my side after I received acceptance letters to debrief, provide guidance on next steps, and help with initial conversations with schools.
Overall, the services Alex provides deliver value well beyond the price, and I strongly encourage others to work with him. He genuinely makes a difference.

I worked with Christine on my applications to Columbia Business School, NYU, and Cornell Johnson, and I was fortunate to be admitted to all three—receiving full scholarship offers from NYU and Cornell and a half-tuition scholarship from CBS.

I can’t recommend Christine highly enough. Her understanding of what each school was truly looking for was invaluable. We went through multiple iterations of my essays, and she helped me communicate my story in a far more compelling and effective way. I came to her with what I thought was a strong application, and she elevated it—turning what I believe would have been a borderline outcome into multiple admits.

We also completed a mock interview, which was extremely helpful in calming my nerves and identifying areas where I could improve my responses and overall composure.

I’ve since recommended Christine to friends considering business school and would absolutely recommend her to anyone navigating the MBA application process.

I’m so happy that I chose to use a consultant for my MBA admissions process and that I chose SBC! I contacted several firms before closing SBC (some larger firms similar to SBC and other more boutique firms with 1-3 consultants) and was most drawn to the overall process of SBC’s “All-In” package. It all seemed (and ended up being) very well thought out and effective and I liked the idea of working with a large firm made of formed AdComs from several schools.

In terms of the actual experience, I found that the “All-In” package structure helped me to stay on track, and there were several occasions when my consultant leveraged the experience of others at the firm to help us make decisions about specific schools.

Since I began my process in January, I was lucky enough to be matched with Caryn Altman who I cannot say enough good things about! Right from the start she gave me an honest opinion of my strengths and weaknesses, recommended some steps I could take immediately to improve my process (e.g. taking an online Math for Management course since my GPA was lower) and was genuinely invested in getting the best outcome possible. During the ~1 year I worked with Caryn, she helped keep me on track through stressful times at work or personally. It was immensely helpful to have someone to remind me that I could take a couple of days off from essays/prep and who could re-calibrate my deadlines accordingly. Conversely, when I had more free time, Caryn was extremely responsive and expedient with feedback so I was able to get ahead of schedule.

Caryn’s feedback on my essays was invaluable – I really cannot stress this enough. She was honest and not afraid to tell me that an idea I had was just not working or was coming across the wrong way. It was also extremely helpful to have access to SBC’s “Vault” of past anonymized school-specific essays as reference (this was also helpful for interview prep!).

Finally, Caryn really went above and beyond for me, providing advice on school-specific networking, reviewing emails to connections, answering random questions, and giving me her honest thoughts when I was stressed about one thing or another.

I am so thrilled to have been accepted to 4/5 of my schools (3 acceptances with $$$) and I could not have done it without Caryn and SBC! Don’t hesitate if you are considering it yourself!

Jennifer was an absolutely incredible consultant, and with her help, I was admitted to both HBS and GSB!! I honestly could not recommend her more to any prospective clients! She allowed me to showcase the best possible version of myself for the admission committees. I don’t think I would have achieved this outcome without her guidance. Jennifer showed me how to stay true to myself and my experiences while also tailoring my application to the different things each school and every essay is looking for.

Jennifer also ensured that I spent enough time revising each essay and thinking critically about every piece of my application and how it fit into my overall story. Her expertise and insight into how admissions committees at the top schools think is unparalleled. There were so many times when I was confused on the best way to approach an essay, recommenders or interviews, and Jennifer was always able to guide me on the right path forward.

While in the application process, there are no guarantees, I feel confident that any client who uses Jennifer will have given themselves the best possible odds of success at the most competitive schools. While a consultant can seem expensive, it was worth every penny to have had Jennifer in my corner. I feel extremely lucky to have worked with Jennifer, and she really made what can at times be a stressful and opaque process as easy as it could possibly be.

Working with Beth was the highlight of my MBA application journey. Over nearly nine months, she supported me end-to-end across applications to several M7 schools, helping me thoughtfully shape my story, refine my essays, position my extracurriculars, and prepare for interviews. Beth brings an exceptional combination of strategic insight, deep admissions expertise, and genuine care to her clients. She was consistently kind, patient, and deeply invested in my success. With her guidance, I earned interviews and admission to both Harvard Business School and Columbia Business School. I could not have asked for a better partner in this process and would wholeheartedly recommend Beth to anyone pursuing an MBA.

I engaged Yvette to help with my HBS application (MS/MBA engineering). Overall, Yvette was incredibly helpful for crafting my narrative. She took my “traditional” background and helped me pull out my unique personal brand. We had an intro session where Yvette provided a framework for each essay and I then brainstormed ~6 outlines for each. Yvette reviewed my ideas and we decided together on the three topics I’d write about. I never in a million years would have thought I’d write about what I did for the curiosity essay, Yvette’s extensive experience with the HBS app process made that possible.

Yvette was available, direct, honest with time needed for offline reviews, and invested in my success. I also did a mock interview with her which was great practice and de-stressed me for the actual day.

The cost is steep, but worth it. I’d encourage you to enter the process knowing exactly what you want from a coach. I’d also encourage you to listen to the SBC podcasts (some featuring Yvette) to get yourself set up with the basics before moving on to tailored coaching.

Outcome: Admitted to HBS (no MS/MBA)

Background: MBB consulting, interest in tech, state school undergrad

I could not be happier with my decision to choose both SBC as my consulting group and Deanna as my consultant. I worked with her on my McCombs and Owen applications and was admitted to both programs with significant scholarships. I also applied to Ross as a third school outside of my two-school package, but used the guidance Deanna provided for McCombs and Owen, and was accepted to Ross with a major scholarship as well. I plan on attending Ross this fall, as it has always been my dream school.

This was well worth the investment, as the scholarships I received more than covered the cost of consulting. I truly could not have done this without Deanna’s help. She opened my eyes to so many ways I could strengthen my application that I didn’t even know existed. Without the new strategies and improvements she pushed me to make, I don’t believe I would have been admitted to the schools I applied to.

I am incredibly grateful to Deanna and SBC for helping me earn admission to all three schools I applied to, and to the one I will ultimately attend at Ross. Truly career-changing.

Coming from a “nontraditional” background in education, I was very nervous when I began the MBA Application process. I was worried about defining my career goals and tailoring my story to make me a good fit for an MBA program. From our first call, Keauna reassured me that I was in the right place and had all of the skills necessary to be a successful candidate. She was readily available to me as a thought partner and truly listened to me. She helped me see my story in a new light and gave me the perfect amount of guidance to help me craft an application I was confident in. I truly don’t think I would have ended up with four acceptances and clear idea of what I want to get out of an MBA program without her. Anyone would be lucky to benefit from her wisdom! Thank you, Keauna!!!

Working with Stacy Blackman Consulting — and especially Beth Tidmarsh — was truly the best decision I made during my MBA application journey.
From day one, Beth became my dedicated partner, coach, and biggest advocate. As a former Kellogg Admissions Officer, she had an incredible ability to translate my experiences into a cohesive and compelling story. Her insights into what Kellogg truly values were spot-on, and thanks to her guidance, I earned admission to Kellogg as well as Michigan Ross. Beth pushed me in all the right ways: she challenged my messaging when needed, boosted my confidence when imposter syndrome crept in, and always made me feel like she was fully invested in my success.
I also deeply appreciated the team-based model SBC brings. Sarah, who first matched me with Beth, took time to understand my goals, background, and working style so the fit was perfect. My flight tester (another former Admissions Officer!) provided an invaluable outside perspective and helped refine my application into a final version that truly resonated. On top of that, resources like SBC’s Vault database gave me access to successful essays, insights, and tactical tools I couldn’t find anywhere else.
Before choosing SBC, I explored several other MBA admissions consulting firms — including some of the popular competitors — and none came close to the level of personalization, strategic guidance, and warmth I found with SBC. I ultimately came in through a personal referral — and now I’m the one enthusiastically recommending SBC to others!
If you are serious about giving yourself the strongest shot at a top program, I cannot recommend Beth and the entire SBC team highly enough. They don’t just help you apply — they help you show up as the best version of yourself.

I was admitted to HBS, GSB, and Wharton HCM, and I truly could not have done it without Sarah. Sarah helped me to tell my story — not by telling me what to write, but by digging into my background with questions & brainstorming with me so that I could discover it myself. Working with her was one of my favorite parts of the whole b school app process, and I feel like I grew a lot as a human, too!

Sarah also referred me to an amazing GRE tutor who raised my score a lot with just a couple of sessions. And later, she also provided mock interviews for the three schools – this helped me to gain confidence and articulate my story.

Coming into the app process, I wasn’t sure about working with a consultant, but if you’re also in doubt, I would highly working with her! I wish I could give her 10 out of 5 stars 🙂

I highly recommend working with Sherry if you want someone in your corner to boost your confidence, help you refine your story, and guide you through the MBA application process. Coming from a non-traditional background, I initially doubted whether I belonged in business school. Sherry’s support, calls, and detailed feedback were invaluable in helping me recognize my unique strengths and present them effectively.

Her guidance was especially helpful in determining what GRE scores were competitive, overhauling my resume for MBA applications, and pacing my essay writing. She was there at every stage, from brainstorming to scholarship negotiations after admissions.

With Sherry’s help, I was admitted to 6 top -15 MBA programs, each offering scholarships ranging from $55,000 per year to full tuition. The investment I made in Stacy Blackman Consulting more than paid for itself once I factored in the scholarship offers I received.

Sherry has been truly exceptional. She pushed me to retake the GRE and aim higher, which ultimately helped me gain admission to Sloan, Fuqua, Stern, and INSEAD. Throughout the entire application process, she was consistently responsive, dedicated, and supportive—I always knew she had my back whenever I needed guidance. I couldn’t have asked for a better coach. Thank you, Sherry!

Jennifer was great to work with. Coming into the MBA process with zero familiarity and from a family without a business background, Jennifer helped to relieve all worries and concerns. Her feedback and support was monumental in my application process, and made me feel confident submitting the best materials possible. She helped to push me to dig deeper in my essays and craft my “why’s” in the most reflective way. I would not have gotten very competitive scholarship offers from numerous top schools without her help!

Alex was really helpful in advising me on my applications over the holiday period, even with tight deadlines. He provided clear and constructive feedback on my essays and interview prep, encouraging me to think outside the box. His understanding of the MBA process gave me a useful overview of what to expect, which was especially valuable as a first-time grad school applicant. I’m grateful to Alex and the SBC team for their support.

Christine was imperative in helping me craft my story when applying to MBA programs. As someone with a relatively low GPA, I wanted assistance in ensuring my story was airtight and making sure that was able to overcome my GPA with the rest of my application. I chose to use the hourly services, as I felt that I could create a good baseline application, but would require assistance in taking it to the next level and tailor it to specific schools. Christine provided timely edits and advice and really helped me understand the messages that I needed to communicate in my essays and application for each school. Additionally, she made sure I was checking on all the small details in the application and gave me great tips and tricks to ensure there was no errors or typos in my applications proofs. Christine was enthusiastic and cheered me on throughout the entire process. I would not have been as successful without her help. I am excited to be attending Johnson with a fellowship and full-tuition scholarship in the fall. Thank you Christine!

Coming from a nontraditional background in architecture, I entered the MBA application process unsure and honestly nervous about how to frame my experience and skills in a way that felt authentic yet relevant to MBA admissions. I had a narrow pool of target schools, applied to five, interviewed at four, and was admitted to three, all with fellowships – a result I consider a huge success, thanks largely to Christine’s guidance.

From day one, Christine transformed my entire approach. She has an incredible ability to listen deeply and extract your strongest assets, connecting dots you may not even recognize in yourself. Her strategic thinking on how to weave together your story in a way that’s both personal and leadership-focused was invaluable. Christine truly takes the time to get to know every detail of your experience, and her thoughtful, honest feedback elevated my applications both in content and tone. She also helped me see the value of my nontraditional background, which gave me the confidence I lacked going in.

One of Christine’s greatest strengths is her ability to analyze and extract unique experiences and skills to craft a powerful narrative. The exercises she shared before we even started writing essays helped me reflect and clarify my story in ways that proved foundational later on. Throughout the process, she was incredibly responsive – whether over email or phone – and provided timely, constructive feedback I could trust.

Beyond application writing, Christine was a consistent and supportive partner through interview preparation, post-admission decisions, and even general morale during a stressful process. She balanced encouragement with honest, direct advice – exactly what I needed. I genuinely couldn’t have asked for a better advisor to help guide me through this journey. I cannot recommend Christine enough.

I worked with Christine during this application cycle and was accepted to Columbia Business School (my top choice), USC, Cornell, and Georgetown. I started off applying to full-time MBA programs, but halfway through, Christine helped me realize that an Executive MBA was a better fit for my background and goals. That shift ended up being the right decision.

Christine is incredibly detail-oriented and thoughtful. She helped me improve every part of my application—essays, resume, and interview prep. She also adjusted our approach when things changed, which made the whole process feel a lot more manageable.

She was honest, quick to respond, and easy to work with. I definitely couldn’t have gotten these results without her expertise. If you’re looking for someone who really understands the MBA admissions process and knows how to guide you through it, I’d strongly recommend working with Christine.

DeeDee was extremely helpful throughout my MBA application process. As a verbose writer, I struggled at times to distill my thoughts into concise, effective buckets that easily conveyed my message. DeeDee was instrumental in helping me hone my narrative, words, and was an overall calming and confidence presence throughout my application process. She was clear, pushed me where needed and gave me the right feedback at the right time. I was admitted to Booth, Kellogg, Wharton, and waitlisted at GSB!

I worked with Amy for my MBA application and couldn’t be happier with the experience. I was only applying to one specific school, and right from the start, Amy was honest and transparent — she told me I didn’t need a full-service package and that hourly support would be more than enough. That kind of integrity is rare and really stood out to me.

Beyond that, her advice was incredibly strategic. She gave me guidance on who to reach out to, how to structure my story, and offered insights I simply wouldn’t have thought of on my own. She was especially helpful with my personal statement — from refining the narrative to deciding what materials to include or leave out.

Amy also did a mock interview with me, and the feedback she gave was sharp, actionable, and helped me feel confident going into the real thing. It made a real difference.

In the end, I got into my target program with a scholarship. I’d absolutely recommend Amy to anyone applying — she was honest, smart, and helped me focus on what mattered most.

I applied to Chicago Booth’s Deferred MBA program with Kim and had an outstanding experience. Kim was incredibly responsive throughout the entire process, always quick to answer my questions in detail and provide thoughtful feedback.

Her strategy guidance was extremely thorough and she helped me craft a clear, compelling narrative and made sure every aspect of my application fit together cohesively. Kim’s edits to my writing were detailed and precise, elevating my essays and resume to a level I couldn’t have achieved on my own.

She pushed me to dig deeper and present my story authentically, while also making sure my application aligned with what Booth is looking for. The support I received was personalized and consistent from start to finish. Kim is someone you want in your corner during the MBA application process.

Thanks to Kim’s expertise and encouragement, I was accepted to Booth’s Deferred MBA program. I am truly grateful for her guidance and would highly recommend working with her to anyone applying to a top MBA program.

DeeDee was an incredible consultant and helped me tremendously throughout the application process. She helped me create a creative, cohesive narrative and provided prompt & direct feedback on essays up until the final app deadlines. Although I was initially waitlisted at 2 schools, she helped me navigate this situation with both schools, as the approaches needed to be different. I ultimately received acceptances from both of these programs and will be attending my dream school of MIT Sloan thanks to DeeDee’s support!

Anthony has been the absolute best through my MBA application process. With Anthony, I was able to get accepted into Wharton and I couldn’t have done it without him. He was truly KEY and pivotal in helping me craft my narrative and have a successful MBA application process. When I decided to apply to MBA programs, I only had two weeks until the deadline. I wasn’t sure if I could pull it off, but Anthony made it possible. He immediately set up time with me to understand not just my MBA goals but also my short term/long term career goals. He was extremely focused and set up a plan to tackle all my app requirements in the best way possible. His optimism and energy throughout the whole process helped me stay on track and kept me going through it all. He was able to help me craft the strongest narrative. When I sent him drafts, he was extremely prompt in his response time and in his editing. Whenever I was doubting myself or had concerns, I was able to voice them to him without feeling judged or like I was overthinking. He addressed all my questions with thoughtful responses and a path forward every time. When interview season came, he helped me come up with a game plan for my interview approach and gave me super helpful advice on things to do/not to do. All the advice and help he gave me was instrumental to the success of my application.

I was very fortunate to get into MIT Sloan’s full time MBA program, and it wouldn’t have been possible without DeeDee. She was exceptional at helping me think about how to position myself in the application essays. Throughout the entire process she was incredibly responsive, organized, and on top of everything which is great during what is always a stressful process. All in all, she was amazing!

As an international applicant with a traditional background but lower GPA/GMAT scores, I was concerned about differentiating myself in a competitive pool. I’m so grateful that with Christine’s guidance, I was admitted to GSB, MIT, Booth, and CBS.

I chose the hourly package as I was navigating multiple uncertainties and decisions. We covered all aspects including resume refinement, school selection, essays, interview prep, and how to approach each stage. Having an authoritative sounding board saved time on countless hard decisions.

What I appreciated most about Christine is her understanding that effective storytelling goes beyond grammar or language – it’s about the substance, ensuring your points are personal, genuine, and specific enough. She guided me through deep personal exploration, taking me step by step through reflecting on my experiences and aspirations, then guiding me to craft these insights into compelling narratives. This process of crystallizing my message made me think much clearer about my actual MBA goals.

Christine’s feedback style is consistently actionable and concrete, never vague. Her knowledge of adcom focus and each school’s individualities was invaluable for understanding nuances between programs. When I thought an essay was ready, she would push me to dig deeper and connect dots I hadn’t fully explored, always revealing opportunities for improvement.

Christine is supportive, genuine, and generous with her expertise. I’m grateful for her guidance and highly recommend working with her!

Without Alex’s help, I can confidently say I wouldn’t have been admitted to any of the M7 schools, let alone a top 2 school with a scholarship. This year was brutal for MBA applications, and I come from the tech world, with no prior business experience, leaving me at a disadvantage. With his help, we completely overhauled all my application materials, with a tight deadline, as I took the GMAT on Nov 15 and wanted to turn my applications around for round 2. He made sure that my resume, essays, video statements, and interviews combined to tell a coherent story and hit all the right points. He was laser focused on showing the various admissions committees exactly why I would bring value to their programs.

In our initial brainstorming session, we spent a long time putting together possible storylines for my application. I knew immediately that sticking with Alex would be the right move. I did SBC’s three school comprehensive package, focusing on Harvard, Wharton, and MIT, and our work on these schools we produced more than enough material for me to adapt to other schools, including Kellogg. Reading back through my Kellogg essays, it’s amazing how much we were able to pack into 500 words, while still remaining authentic. That is all thanks to his guidance.

Throughout, Alex was extremely responsive and did not let any of my materials rest until he was satisfied that they were the best possible reflection of me. He knows the MBA application process inside and out, and you will be in extremely good hands should you be fortunate enough to work with Alex.

I cannot recommend Jennifer highly enough! While participating in Forté, I quickly realized how invaluable it would be to work with an MBA consultant. I didn’t personally know many people who had gone through the business school application process, and I felt that if I was going to invest the time and energy, I wanted to put myself in the best possible position. I reached out to Sarah at SBC, and she paired me with Jennifer based on my background—an excellent match.

Jennifer guided me through the application and essay-writing process with incredible insight, thoughtful feedback, and genuine care. Without her, I likely would have only focused only on work achievements and milestones. Instead, she encouraged me to reflect more holistically—bringing in childhood experiences, personal passions, and interests outside of school and work. With her support, I was able to present a full, authentic picture of who I am.

I also worked with Anthony for test prep, who was fantastic. Overall, SBC provided exceptional, high-quality, tailored guidance every step of the way. I’m truly grateful for the support and would recommend them to anyone navigating this challenging process.

I only had Sarah for an hour to help me prep for my Wharton Round 2 HCM interview, and she was extremely helpful! She really helped my story, and give me a few key points to emphasize that I think really drove an impact during my interview. Would highly recommend.

Working with Dawn was incredible. She helped me gain admission to HBS. Dawn was a great thought partner, guiding me through school selection and helping me position my candidacy strategically. I also appreciated Dawn’s very positive energy, and I would recommend Dawn to anyone applying to top programs.

I worked with Christine and the Stacy Blackman Consulting team through the All-In Package for my MBA applications, and I am truly grateful for the experience. With Christine’s expert guidance, I was admitted to my top choice schools- CBS & Wharton!

Christine is an exceptional consultant who combines strategic vision with meticulous attention to detail. She encouraged me to reflect deeply on my experiences and aspirations, helping me craft a narrative that was both authentic and compelling. Her thoughtful questions and constructive feedback consistently pushed me to present the best version of myself in my applications.

Throughout the process, Christine was always responsive, providing clear, actionable advice—often on short notice. Her mentorship extended beyond application strategy; she was a steady source of encouragement during the entire process, and her professionalism and empathy made the journey both productive and enjoyable.

I thoroughly enjoyed working with Christine and the SBC team. Her expertise, kindness, and dedication made all the difference, both professionally and personally. I would absolutely recommend Christine to anyone seeking outstanding MBA admissions consulting. Thank you, Christine, for your invaluable support!

Anthony was awesome! I applied the year before and was rejected. I worked with Anthony and he help me craft a winning application. I was invited for an interview and then accepted this year! I couldn’t have done it without him!

I can’t say enough good things about Sherry and the experience of working with SBC. At the beginning, I was incredibly nervous of applying during the third round. However, Sherry and SBC encouraged me to try it out and I was able to make it to my top 2 schools. They were incredibly responsive, communicative and proactive, which made me feel supported at all times

Working with Alex was one of the best decisions I made during the MBA application process. He did an incredible job helping me clarify my story and highlight my strengths. His feedback was always thoughtful and strategic. He pushed me to write authentically while avoiding common application pitfalls. I especially appreciated his ability to balance big-picture narrative guidance with detailed line edits. He definitely made a big difference to my MBA application.

I cannot say enough positive things about working with Meg and the whole SBC team. I reached out in August and connected with Esther who helped me understand what GRE score I should be aiming for. Once I got that, she listened to my goals and thought Meg would be a match for me and she was right! My dream school was Booth and Meg’s insight as a former admissions offer there was invaluable not only for my crafting my narrative but also for examining the school and whether it would be a fit for me.

As someone who comes from a non-traditional background and didn’t know anyone who had completed the MBA application process, Meg was invaluable in walking me through every step and helping me understand what Admissions Committees were looking for. I did the all in package for 3 schools with Meg. I applied to 11 overall and was able to use a lot of the material that I developed with Meg’s guidance for my other 8 schools. One of SBC’s other consultants, Amy (former AdCom), performed a flight test on my materials where she helped point out some areas for growth in my application that I think really helped me succeed.

After my initial applications, Meg’s interview prep was phenomenal and fully prepared me for all 9 of my interviews. Additionally, when I received an invite for Wharton’s TBD I was given the opportunity to have a mock TBD with other applicants run by former Wharton AdCom who also works for SBC.

At the end of the process I received full rides from Olin, Mendoza, and Darden, scholarships of over 100k to Ross, Fuqua, Kellogg, and Booth, and an admit to Wharton.

I know this would not have been possible without Meg (and all of SBC’s) help and I highly, highly recommend them to anyone embarking on their MBA journey!

Alex is absolutely amazing and helpful for getting me admitted to NUS (National University of Singapore) MBA program. The final results of the CV/essays are a complete transformation from the initial draft that prepared by me. He gave me a structure of how to tell the story and kept pushing me to think about all the points that could be used for building the story. Thanks Alex for keep pushing me back and forth and with that I was able to know more about myself. He has tons of knowledge and experiences of helping students getting prepared for MBA application. At the second and third rounds of interviews, he was very flexible to find time with me with a tight timeline and helped me build me confidence which was key for me to nail the interviews. Highly recommend Alex to anyone wants to have a personalized guidance on MBA application!

I would like to share my incredible experience working with Alex throughout my Columbia MBA application journey. From our initial conversation to the moment I received my acceptance letter, Alex’s guidance proved invaluable at every step of the process.
Alex began with a comprehensive strategy session where he thoroughly assessed my profile and provided a realistic evaluation of my candidacy for my target programs. What impressed me most was his ability to quickly identify both my strengths and areas for improvement, creating a customized roadmap that maximized my chances of admission.
Alex’s responsiveness was truly exceptional. No matter when I reached out with questions or drafts, I consistently received thoughtful replies within hours – even during evenings and weekends. This level of dedication made an immense difference, especially as deadlines approached and anxiety peaked.
Throughout the entire process – from resume edits and career goal refinement to essay development and interview preparation – Alex provided insightful feedback that transformed my application. He has helped me significantly translate my experiences into a more holistic picture for the admission committee. When my initial career goals statement felt generic, Alex pushed me to dig deeper and articulate a more authentic vision that aligned perfectly with mine and Columbia’s strengths.
What sets Alex apart is his perfect balance of objectivity and encouragement. He never hesitated to provide honest, sometimes tough feedback when needed, but always followed with constructive guidance and unwavering belief in my potential. This approach not only strengthened my application but also built my confidence throughout this challenging process.
I cannot recommend Alex highly enough!!

Working with Alex Liff at Stacy Blackman Consulting was the best decision I made during my MBA application process—his strategic insight and support helped me gain admission to HBS, MIT Sloan, CBS, and NYU Stern, where I received a full-ride scholarship. Alex was my partner throughout the application process. His candid feedback helped me write my applications to talk about my strengths and articulate my thoughts in a way that admissions was tuned into. Having consistent check-in points with Alex made me feel confident throughout the process, and he answered all my (sometimes ridiculous) questions throughout the way.

SBC in general was extremely supportive. Having a flight tester – shoutout to Lisa – give a candid review of my applications before submitting helped me fine-tune my applications before pressing the submit button. I was able to submit with confidence that I was representing myself to the best of my abilities.

Ashley was absolutely instrumental in getting me into Sloan, Tuck, and Booth with quite a large scholarship. Coming from a nontraditional background with a low math score, I was worried about the application process and at times struggled to define myself. She was always available and responsive within 24 hours. She helped me define myself, worked through endless rounds of essay drafts with me, and finally helped me practice interviewing. She is extremely sharp and doesn’t hold back, which is exactly what I needed. I also had an extremely positive flight test experience and highly recommend SBC.

I worked with Alex to prepare for my Stanford GSB interview and strongly believe that I would not have been admitted without his guidance. He is thoughtful, came prepared with a structured agenda for our mock interview and pushed me on a number of topics which I think prepared me really well for the actual interview. Alex also followed-up with me after decisions were released and helped me think through which school to attend which I really appreciated. I would strongly recommend Alex as a consultant or for interview-specific interview prep.

When I first started exploring MBA consulting firms, I wasn’t entirely sure if I needed one—let alone if the investment would be worth it. I had spent the first part of my career in biotech before transitioning into my family’s business, where I plan to return after my MBA. My path wasn’t the most traditional, and I knew I needed to tell a story that was both compelling and authentic.

Like many applicants, I turned to Google and quickly came across Stacy Blackman Consulting. The firm’s reputation, its deep bench of former admissions officers, and extensive library of applicant resources immediately stood out. I booked an initial call with Sarah Tsai, who was both warm and honest about what to expect from the process. She connected me with several counselors for trial conversations—and that’s how I met Margaret Strother.

Initially, I was skeptical of SBC’s all-in package. The cost was significant, and I wasn’t sure how engaged a counselor would be. But those doubts disappeared quickly once I started working with Margaret.

Margaret was more than a consultant—she was a true thought partner. She helped me bring structure and clarity to my ideas and never told me what to write. Instead, she asked smart, challenging questions that pushed me to reflect more deeply and find the right framing for my story. I genuinely learned a lot about myself through our conversations, and that made the application experience meaningful beyond just the outcomes.

She was also incredibly responsive and always willing to bounce around ideas, whether over email or through quick check-ins. One of the things I appreciated most was how invested she was—not just in the quality of the application, but in making sure my voice came through. I had worked with another consultant who tried to mold my story to fit what they thought the school wanted. Margaret did the opposite—she encouraged me to be real, even if that meant going against the grain.

With her support, I was admitted to Stanford GSB, Harvard Business School, Kellogg (FULL scholarship), and Booth (partial scholarship) —an outcome beyond anything I could’ve imagined.

Beyond Margaret’s support, SBC’s resources were a huge value-add. The Vault was packed with sample essays, interview prep materials, and school-specific insights that gave me a real advantage—especially during interviews. The “flight test,” where a former admissions officer from my target school gave final feedback on my application, was also incredibly useful and reassuring.

Looking back, I can confidently say that working with Margaret—and SBC more broadly—was worth every penny. The level of professionalism, depth of expertise, and genuine care they bring to the process is rare. I not only ended up with outcomes I had once considered out of reach, but I also became a stronger communicator and thinker because of the process.

For anyone serious about applying to a top MBA program and looking for a partner who will push you to be your best while staying true to your story, I can’t recommend her highly enough.

I was not very familiar with the MBA admissions process when I started looking at programs. With the guidance from Beth and the team at SBC, I was fortunate to be admitted to 3/4 schools — Kellogg, Darden and Fuqua. I truly believe that without her guidance, I would not have been admitted to schools. If I had relied on forums, MBA alums, and friends/family, I would have misplaced all my time and energy to improve my GMAT score instead of working on other aspects of my application. As a former Kellogg Director of Admissions, Beth was able to provide direct insight as to what the admissions committees look for in applications. Having access to a database of successful applications from top schools, mock interview prep, and a wholistic application review (the Flight Test), was extremely useful. Even before I was admitted anywhere, I was already recommending her to others. I’m very fortunate that I was able to work with Beth and feel like SBC was a worthwhile investment in my future.

I am extremely grateful for Anthony’s help with my admission to The Wharton School at UPenn. As a former admissions officer, he had incredible insights into the process and offered advice that ultimately helped me get accepted into my dream school. Anthony was highly responsive throughout the process and very accommodating of my hectic work schedule. As someone who did not have the strongest grades or test scores, the essays and interview were especially important, and Anthony’s guidance proved invaluable for both.

I had a great experience working with Deanna. My work experience wasn’t heavily quant oriented and Deanna helped me navigate ways to strengthen my application and demonstrate quant knowledge. Deanna is also the person who suggested I try the Executive Assessment (EA) which turned out to be the best test for me! She helped me greatly improve my resume and essays. She also prepped me well for the interview process. Deanna was always very responsive and a joy to work with. I am now committed to an amazing school and I wouldn’t be where I am without her!

I would highly recommend Dione. Dione was my dedicated consultant inclusive of strategy, positioning, career visioning etc., She was extremely helpful in guiding me to think about career vision and short-term and long-term goals before jumping into the essays. Dione is also incredibly responsive (typically replies to emails within a few hours).

I appreciated SBC’s team-based influence and support: Esther my matchmaker to find the right consultant; Amy my flight tester, who is a former Admissions Officer; Anthony who facilitated my mock Wharton TBD discussion.

Thanks to SBC and Dione, I was accepted Round 1 to GSB, HBS, and Wharton.

I had an incredible experience working with Sherry from Stacy Blackman Consulting. She was responsive, positive, and honest, always providing constructive feedback while making the process enjoyable. With her guidance, I was admitted to HBS, Darden with a full ride, and Fuqua and McCombs with scholarships. She worked quickly, even under tight deadlines, and I always felt fully supported. Having someone to turn to with any question made a huge difference. Sherry was backed by a strong team, including the initial matchmaker, and an experienced former admissions officer who conducted my Flight Test. The Flight Test was a major reason I chose Stacy Blackman over three other firms I spoke with, and it did not disappoint. If I had to do it again, I’d choose Sherry every time. Highly recommend!

I chose to work with John because I was feeling overwhelmed by my MBA application timeline while juggling a demanding job. From our first conversation, he reassured me that he would work with me night and day if that’s what it took to meet my deadlines—and he truly delivered.

John was incredibly fast with feedback, often returning edits within just a few hours. He also took the extra step of consulting other experts at SBC for second opinions, which I really appreciated. Beyond just giving me edits, he took the time to get to know me as a person, which made his advice feel truly tailored. His targeted insights and encouragement helped me through the lows of taking the GMAT and my nervousness with the interview process, and ultimately, I got into my top schools!

If you’re looking for an MBA consultant who is responsive, supportive, and truly invested in your success, I highly recommend working with John!

I worked with Beth for essay feedback and resume revision, and I truly can’t recommend her enough. Her insight and suggestions were thoughtful and helped me tell my story in a way that felt authentic while aligning with what admissions committees are looking for. She was meticulous with details, yet also offered really great big-picture feedback.

Beth was unbelievably responsive and efficient—you can tell she respects the investment applicants make in these services. I always felt like she made the most of the time I purchased and never tried to upsell or push for more. Beth is a very kind and compassionate person; I never felt judged, and it always felt like she was in my corner.

I got into Kellogg, my dream school, and I absolutely feel like working with Beth was a key part of that outcome. I’m so grateful to her and to SBC!

I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to Alex Liff and Stacy Blackman Consulting for their unwavering support over the past six months with my business school applications. Their guidance was instrumental in securing my admission to The Wharton School, complete with a generous fellowship.

When I first reached out to SBC in July 2025, I had less than six weeks before the Round 1 deadlines. Although I had already taken the GMAT and given some thought to other components of my application, my demanding role at XXX consulting firm left me with little time to put pen to paper.

To meet the Round 1 deadlines, I required two key things: a structured approach to the application process with clear milestones and deadlines, and expert advice to rigorously review my written materials. The SBC team exceeded my expectations on both fronts.

Esther Magna, my intake coordinator, understood my needs perfectly and paired me with Alex Liff. I was also tasked with completing SBC’s 360-degree personal reflection and critical assessment exercise, which involved answering ~35 detailed questions. Though time-consuming, this exercise allowed me to articulate everything from my leadership stories to my career goals to my thoughts on recommenders.

Alex then meticulously reviewed the 25 pages of content I had put together and helped me devise a strategy for each school, ensuring that my best stories were presented cohesively. This strategic approach enabled me to quickly produce high-quality drafts of my resume, essays, and other application materials. Alex’s insightful feedback during our numerous iterations helped me further refine these materials.

One standout aspect of the SBC process was the “flight test,” where Lisa Anderson, a former MBA Admissions Officer, reviewed one of my applications as an actual Admissions Officer would. Her feedback was invaluable in further fine-tuning my application.

SBC’s support didn’t end there. I was fortunate to receive multiple interview invitations, and SBC’s assistance with interview preparation was crucial. Anthony Penna, one of the original architects of Wharton’s Team-Based Discussion (TBD), conducted a mock TBD with real candidates. His feedback highlighted key areas for improvement, significantly enhancing my performance in the actual TBD. Alex also conducted mock interviews for my other schools.

Ultimately, I was accepted into Wharton with a very generous fellowship, and I couldn’t be more grateful to Alex and the entire SBC team for their help. If you are seeking guidance through the business school admissions process, I cannot recommend Alex and SBC highly enough.