Alex Ruiz Lee

When I first decided to apply for an MBA, and for INSEAD specifically, I wasn’t particularly looking for an admissions consultant to help me with the process – I’d attempted to work with consultants in the past during my application process for undergrad, and generally just felt that the advice given out was relatively cookie cutter. My impression of consultants was that they wouldn’t really try to figure out what made you unique and wanted to stick to a formula to try and get you in.

I came across Alex on GMATClub rather by accident as I was soliciting some advice on my profile on some public threads. He’d replied to one of my questions with an extremely detailed and thoughtful answer, and when I asked if I could contact him to speak (on short notice, I might add) a little further on some of these points, he was extremely quick to reply and we then chatted for almost an hour that night – even without him being my consultant! His willingness to help, familiarity with INSEAD, and overall friendly and warm disposition left a strong impression on me, and unlike many consultants I’d encountered in the past, I felt that even while not yet engaged as my consultant, he was trying to understand my specific background and motivations (i.e. my “story”) to help give me tailored advice, which I really appreciated. As a result of that, I ended up engaging him as my consultant through the End-to-End Package, which I chose simply to make sure I would have all f acets covered if I needed it.

During my experience working with him, I found my initial impression of Alex to be highly accurate – I especially appreciated how easy he was to reach via email or WhatsApp, and replied to everything super quickly despite the 7-hour time difference we faced. Whether it was simple reassurance I required or a more in-depth review of my application materials, Alex was there with me through every step of the way. His experience as an INSEAD alum and present interviewer also gives him a lot of insight into the application process and what the AdComs are looking for specifically for this school, and while he is keenly aware of what criteria or key qualities you need to demonstrate in your application, I also really appreciated that he did so without trying to force me into adopting a story that didn’t feel authentic, or sacrificing my own unique characteristics. On top of all that, I also personally particularly appreciate that he provides very candid and transparent feedback on what fa ctors in your profile / experience may or may not influence your application, as I personally went through a few near-setbacks which I worried would negatively impact my application – while he was honest about the fact that they might, I also felt that his approach was not to sugarcoat things but rather let me know the truth of it, and then we could figure out a few contingencies should the worst come to pass.

Honestly, I have nothing but good things to say about Alex, and so as a very happy R4 (!) INSEAD admit, I strongly recommend him for anyone looking for a highly effective yet personalized service.

I approached Alex with an unconventional background in the fashion industry, coupled with the fact that I was 35 years old. Crafting a cohesive narrative for my MBA application and explaining why I was pursuing it at this stage posed a significant challenge. I met with several other consultants, all of whom expressed doubts about my chances at INSEAD. They offered standard feedback and suggested alternative schools as safer options.

However, my meeting with Alex was different. While acknowledging the obstacles I faced, he stood out by presenting a clear and confident strategy for securing admission. Alex’s expertise is unrivaled; he is truly the expert of experts. He possesses an in-depth understanding of the entire application and admissions process, both inside and out. His insights into the AdCom’s mindset and their specific expectations for each part of the application were remarkably precise and therefore very valuable. It was this incredible insight that allowed him to chart the exact path I needed to follow.

Working with Alex was truly exceptional. He is extremely dedicated to your application on a personal level. The MBA application journey is a rollercoaster, and having Alex as a constant, providing the necessary advice rather than simply what I wanted to hear, was essential in creating my best possible application.

Without a doubt, I owe my acceptance at INSEAD to Alex, and I cannot recommend him and his services enough.

Working with Alex was truly a pleasure. His approach is efficient, timely, and definitely comprehensive. In terms of quality to price, his service is hard to beat if your goal is to get into a top business school: he has an extreme sensitivity in evaluating you and understands how to best enhance you in the eyes of the admission officer. His support is constant throughout the entire selection process, through email or WhatsApp you can rest assured that he will respond in a very short time. Also, no less important, this journey with him not only got me admitted to INSEAD but also helped as professional mentorship: I gained greater awareness of my strengths and weaknesses with clarity and synthesis. Highly recommended, really!

If you need help with gaining admission to INSEAD, look no further. Alex is the best person to help you navigate the entire process. Given that I was a re-applicant, and knowing that INSEAD is not re-applicant friendly, Alex’s insights and guidance were critical in my admission to my dream MBA program. Why choose Alex? I will mention three key points.

1) Alex takes the time to get to know your profile holistically and in great detail – not just professionally but also personally. He spent many hours on the phone/email to understand my goals and background. He is not dismissive of all facets of your profile. Alex is genuinely committed to your success. He provides honest and beneficial feedback on how you can improve your application and essays.

2) Alex is a subject matter expert on all things INSEAD. He can answer all your questions about INSEAD, from the admission process to deciding which campus to attend – Alex knows INSEAD at the back of his hand. He is always contactable and replies promptly. Turn-around time for deliverables was also excellent.

3) Alex knows very well what the admission committee is looking for. He will help you showcase your unique background and experience and explain why you would be a good fit for the school. Alex will guide you through the lengthy application form, the numerous essays, the video interview, and the final interviews. He will give you lots of advice at every stage, ensuring you are well prepared.

In sum, Alex is more than just a consultant/career coach; he is your friend and confidante throughout this journey. It would be best if you are open-minded to his suggestions; there is a good reason why he will highlight specific aspects of your application. Don’t take it personally but use it as a chance to reflect and improve on those areas. The application process is long and challenging, but Alex will be present at every stage to support you. I will gladly recommend his services to anyone dead set on INSEAD.

I first came in contact with Alex through another friend of mine who attended INSEAD. Alex helped me with my application for INSEAD despite my low GPA. At first, I was quite reluctant to even ask since I didn’t think I’d possibly stand a chance with my GPA, but Alex reassured me and put faith in me throughout the process. I scored 710 on the GMAT. Alex held my hand every step of the way through the application and guided me in the correct direction. In truth, Alex not only helped me with my application but also opened my eyes to how I should present myself in front of others. Would highly recommend him!

I was applying to 2 top business schools, IESE and INSEAD, which all accepted me. ARLee Consulting was a key factor in helping me getting admission to INSEAD.

Alex was a pleasure to work with and his advice had real results. He was a frank person and not shy to tell you that your score wasn’t good enough for an elite school; however, he was always very supportive and never gave up on my application with a low GMAT score. Once I took another test and achieved a better score, he always believed I could do it.

I was hesitant at first about using a consultant, but Alex proved me wrong. He has shown me a different world when you have a consultant. He was thoughtful and thorough with his advice and very personalized in his approach. I could consult him anytime on any topic, some of them non-MBA related.

I owe Alex a big thanks for being accepted at my target school (INSEAD). I cannot express it with words but frankly speaking, I could not have made it without his help.

My experience with Alex dated back to exactly 1 year ago when I was debating with myself whether I should use a consultant or not. I was quite stressed about my subpar GMAT and mediocre undergrad. I was looking for someone who can help me with the whole application process. In hindsight, it was the best decision that I could’ve ever made.

His forte lies in his honesty, knowledge, and professionalism.

1. Honesty: He is not someone who might not give us what we want to hear; his feedback was always honest, unbiased, and objective, thereby allowing me to exactly know what my strengths and drawbacks are. By knowing those, I was able to know what I need to highlight more and less respectively.

2. Knowledge: As an INSEAD alumni, he is an expert in who the school is looking for. His advice is not merely those that can be easily seen on the websites. Especially, he is the one who knows all the insider information on INSEAD application that was pivotal in making me feel confident during the interviews.

3. Professionalism: He never compromises on the quality of work; Even though I thought it seemed okay, there was a myriad of occasions where he was challenging me when my points were not clear or not compelling.

As a result, I was able to get accepted into INSEAD. In retrospect, my decision to work with Alex turns out to be the best decision that I could’ve ever made. I am getting all the flashbacks to where we have been by far. It was a memorable experience that has in turn led me to another stage of my life in INSEAD.

I received an admit to one of my dream schools, with a large scholarship! Alex was a fantastic coach, a brilliant mentor, and understood the strengths and weaknesses of my profile perfectly.

Alex’s body of knowledge about European schools was second to none, and he constantly reassured me throughout the process, with a positive outlook on everything!

It was a pleasure working with Alex and I looked forward to our calls and receiving his feedback. His turnaround time for my work was exceptional, and I felt incredibly well guided through the whole process. I would not hesitate to recommend Alex to any prospective MBA candidate.

Thanks!

It has been as smooth as it was enriching to work with Alex.

Since our first contact, he has been very responsive and caring, answering every email no later than 24 hours, at any time, providing insightful pointers and corrections, pushing yourself to excel in your essays, and taking the best out of your CV.

With him, I applied to INSEAD and NUS being admitted to both BS.

With his experience, he delivers a very valuable contribution to your application. He knows perfectly how the processes work, how the interviews are held, and what do the Admissions Officers look for in an applicant.
I certainly would have struggled without his help.

I can not be more thankful for having Alex as my Admissions Consultant choice, and I would recommend to anyone pursuing an MBA application.

I owe Alex a big thanks for being accepted at my target school (INSEAD). I cannot express by words how much Alex was helpful during my application process and frankly speaking I could not have made it without his help.

I struggled enormously with my academics, sat multiple times for GMAT and GRE, and fought hard to reach ‘average’ of my class. I failed. From academics’ point of view, I did not make it. I even delayed my application by one year because I was so desperately not able to cross GMAT/GRE threshold that I felt ashamed to apply with my scores.

That is when I met Alex (thanks to GMATClub) and after just one consultation my mind towards the whole application process changed. He could have easily thrown me into the bin as others ‘lower academics’ guys sometimes experience, but he did very opposite.

Alex was a tutor, consultant and guide in one person, helping me to address pillars upon which admission process on INSEAD is based on (Academic capacity, Leadership potential, Ability to contribute, and International motivation) while shadowing my weaknesses with strengths.

His service went much beyond what I expected at the beginning. He was always there for me when needed, answering to my questions promptly and providing insights reaching beyond MBA application (We consulted multiple times how it is at INSEAD, how recruiting works on campus, how to do campus exchange and so on…)

Alex helped me with my application for INSEAD and HEC Paris. I got admitted by both.

He paid a lot of attention to my personal experience to help me get the best out of my past. I’m not a high GMATer nor a stellar applicant with an IB background. But he knows what I should present in my essays.

The application process was exhausting and time-consuming. Alex was with me all the way. His response is super quick. It’s easy for us to write un-necessary stories in the essays or derive from the right direction. He can identify those pain-points and give good advice.

At last, Alex is a friend to me now.

My spouse and I applied for INSEAD for the MBA J20 and received admissions in R1. We both hired Alex Ruiz Lee to help with our application process and that truly made a difference to our attempts. Coming from the competitive Indian pool of applicants, we were disappointed with our below-average GMAT scores (for Indian applicants) and wanted to make up for our probability of success by writing an extra-ordinary application. INSEAD was our top priority school and wanted to hire some consultant who has a thorough knowledge of INSEAD and its application process. We met Alex on the GMAT club forum and after a few initial conversations with him, we were convinced that he can help us submit an excellent application. Couple of things about him that really helped us with our application were -1. He is very honest. 2. He has a very good understanding of what a good application should look like. And 3. He is very prompt in his reviews.
Anyone who applied to INSEAD would know the lengthy application and how it pushes one to introspect deeply. For every essay, Alex would explain to us what INSEAD is looking for and listen to our professional experience patiently and comment on which points would make an impact on the application. After submitting an initial draft, he would review and provide his feedback. Most of the times, the essays went through multiple revisions. When he felt the essay wasn’t strong enough, he would explain why our initial story may not be a good fit and encourage us to come up with better examples. He would always present his point of view and has never been pushy, giving us the freedom to reflect on his comments and take the decision ourselves. Also, we were in different time zones and we never encountered any issues because of this. He would make himself available any time we had questions. Moreover, both of us applying at the same time wasn’t easy and increased our anxiety at times. Alex would be our sounding board and his calm demeanor helped us navigate through the various hurdles in the process. Once we were selected for the interviews, he guided us through tips and mock interviews and scholarship essays. And even after receiving our final admits, he helped us with all the practical information required for settling down in Fonty.
Overall, it had been a pleasant experience working with him and we both would highly recommend Alex to all aspiring MBA applicants.

I found Alex on the GMAT Club around two weeks after I began to write my documents for the INSEAD application. He contacted me after I posted my profile for an evaluation on the forum. We exchanged a few emails, had a phone call and finally, I decided to hire him for a two-school comprehensive end to end package.
Our first task was to reorganize my CV. From this point, I knew I made the right choice of hiring him. I went from a standard work application CV to a perfectly organized and synthetic summary of my life. From this point, I followed all his direction for the next months.
It took time, much revision, but in the end, we made it. Thanks to Alex I succeeded to join the only school I wanted: INSEAD with a GMAT 660 being a white European male. And it was only possible because all the rest of my application was millimetrically perfect thanks to his advice and guidance.
I recommend to hire Alex if you are in the following cases :
-If you have difficulty to be synthetic and straight to the point in your essay
-If you have a profile that is atypic for your target school
-If you are ready to listen and learn from his comments
I would not recommend hiring Alex if you are in the following cases:
-You want somebody to correct your essays, and you are not ready to listen to criticism
-You want somebody that will write your essay for you (He will never do that)
Alex helped me during all my application process and it is thanks to him that I succeeded. He was more than a consultant and went far beyond what I expected from him.

With the deadline for INSEAD applications looming and a hectic schedule at work, I knew I needed assistance in making sure I put my best foot forward. I have also made some interesting choices in my career, so telling my story was always going to be challenging. What I had in mind was someone to read over my essays and provide feedback – what works and what doesn’t. I sent a few cold emails and Alex was the first to respond. I had read the testimonials online, so thought it was worth a try.
Alex’s services far exceeded my expectations. He invests a lot of energy to understand your story and pick vulnerabilities. He is critical and yes, the feedback keeps on coming but I think that is the beauty of the flat fee model he offers. His experience as an HR professional also shines through. The whole experience of working with Alex felt more like a partnership in trying to get to the best product in time for the looming deadline.
One of my biggest concerns in hiring a consultant was ending up with a generic application. But Alex is more like a coach who prompts you by asking questions and things to think about when writing your responses. The final product sounds very much like me. It does mean it is a bit more work through. So if you are looking for someone to just write the application for you, then maybe he is not the one.

I found Alex on the GMAT Club after being Ding by my target school INSEAD without even an interview. I was so disappointed that I asked for a Ding analysis to 2 admissions consultants. The first one pointed out all the flaws in my application and made me understand that with my profile, it was like a joke to believe that I even stood a chance for a business school like INSEAD or even an MBA at all. To be honest, this consultant discouraged me a little bit about my MBA plans.
Then, Alex proposed to me to perform another ding analysis. The same thing, he pointed out flaws in my application, but conversely, to the other consultant, he took time to understand my profile and my goals and encouraged me to apply for an MBA. He told me that my profile had so much potential and that with a proper application, I would get admitted to other European business schools like LBS, HEC or IESE without even much effort, with the right guidance of an Admission Consultant.
I decided to take the bet and started a new application to HEC Paris, doing all over again my essays, CVs, goals articulation from the beginning with Alex’s help. After just few weeks and my application completed, I saw the big difference between the admission file I had submitted to INSEAD which earned me a deserved “Ding” and the one I made with Alex. It was like it was two different people applying. Even though I was highly satisfied with the new application I was able to make in this short amount of time, I felt frustrated with my INSEAD’s ding.
So, I decided to re-apply to INSEAD in the following intake, knowing that it is one of the world’s less reapplicant friendly school. During this process, I too received the assistance of Alex who provided me his support by mail, phone and on WhatsApp whenever I needed him. In the end, I was accepted by HEC with a 50% scholarship and guess what, by INSEAD with a scholarship too!!!!
Without Alex, I don’t know if I would have had been able to go that far. He is someone who can understand your needs, your profile and help you during the whole application process. On top of that, to me it is was a pleasure to work with someone so enthusiastic. If like me, you have nobody to guide you through an MBA application process, or if you want to maximize your chance of being accepted to a top MBA program, I strongly recommend you get help from a coach like Alex!

One of the critical decisions in the application process is whether to work with an admission consultant. I chose to work with Alex when I received a profile review in GMATClub. Because through the feedback, I realized that I need someone who has a thorough understanding of the target school and well-organized writing and that Alex is the one.
Alex is very responsive and knowledgeable. He provides constructive advice to my queries. His HR director background and INSEAD experiences ensure his ability to coach candidates properly. Alex quickly captures the characters of candidates and effectively helps with reflecting those in essays.
I would recommend Alex to prospective MBA candidates, especially INSEAD applicants.

I met Alex via GMAT club when he responded to my profile evaluation post early this year. I like the way he has provided detailed feedback on my profile highlighting my strengths and my areas on improvement rather than providing generic feedback. He also guided me in finalizing the schools which are best suited for my aspirations.
As we all know, for a strong B-school application, having a balanced mix of professional and personal achievements is really important. Alex has deep insight into what qualities B-Schools are looking in their students and how your professional and personal experience can be put together to make a strong application. Like they say you should never hide anything from your doctor or lawyer if you really want them to help you, I must say that same rule applies while working with Alex.
Alex is not the kind of consultant who will complete the application on your behalf or provide you with a pre-cooked content, rather he will work with you in understanding your story by asking relevant questions, and by encouraging you to find the answers for yourself. Also, he will never settle for any vague storyline/answers for his questions, which to be honest sometimes seems demanding but keep in mind that in the end, he is only trying to bring the best out of you and it will allow you to present yourself in the better way throughout the selection process.
My admission to one of the top B-school in Europe is an example of this. It is because of Alex’s thorough approach and persistence of not giving up on me until I came up with answers up to his expectations. I was able to put forward a strong application and there was hardly any question in the interview for which I felt unprepared.
Despite the time zone difference, Alex has always been available to answers all the questions (believe me, I always had tons of them) and concerns about various aspects of the school, admission process and my application. At times, when I felt demotivated or overwhelmed with the GMAT and entire admission process of different schools, Alex always stood by me and provided me with much-needed support and motivation to move forward.
With my experience, I would definitely recommend Alex to anyone who is looking to apply for B-School. If you are looking for a knowledgeable, professional and supportive MBA consultant, who can help you in achieving your dream of getting into a B-school, look no further, Alex is your MAN😊