Devi Vallabhaneni

Managing Director and HBS Interviewer in Residence

mbaMission

United States

Net Promoter Score: 9

Consultant Bio

Devi Vallabhaneni’s deep passion for helping Harvard Business School (HBS) candidates started more than 20 years ago, when she was a second-year student at HBS. She conducted information sessions for interested applicants and their families, sharing her personal experiences as a student there and explaining all the MBA program has to offer. After graduating in the late 1990s and moving to San Francisco to work for Gap, Inc., she continued to share her love and respect for HBS by serving on panels as an alumna and speaking about her years in the MBA program.

In the 2000s, she became even more involved with the school’s admissions process by taking on the role of alumni interviewer in Los Angeles, meeting with candidates throughout Southern California. In 2013, she joined the HBS Admissions Board and spent three years interviewing hundreds of applicants in Boston, London, and Paris. During this time, she also helped the school with women’s outreach and completed special projects for the dean of admissions.

Devi has interacted with HBS candidates from all backgrounds, walks of life, cultures, industries, functions, and positions. Because of her personal history with the school, years of collaboration with the admissions committee, and exhaustive experience as an MBA interviewer, she brings a unique level of enthusiasm, intensity, and insight to helping applicants bring out the best of themselves for this important step in the HBS admissions journey.

Company Information

mbaMission is the world’s leading MBA admissions consulting firm and the only one exclusively recommended by Manhattan Prep and Kaplan GMAT. Our dedicated, full-time Senior Consultants work one-on-one with business school candidates to identify and showcase their strongest attributes in their applications.

When applying to an elite MBA program, you need elite experience on your side. mbaMission’s full-time consultants are highly skilled communicators with comprehensive knowledge of the MBA admissions process, and helping you navigate that process to your fullest potential is our sole priority. You can be confident of having our undivided attention, because admissions consulting is our exclusive focus. In pursuing your MBA, you are making an important investment in yourself, so choose a firm whose singular objective is helping you achieve your goals.

Our full-time team includes MBAs from all the top programs. Although you work exclusively with one dedicated consultant at mbaMission, you benefit from the experience and input of our entire team. Our consultants intercommunicate constantly, sharing information, ideas, feedback, and recommendations. We also conduct semimonthly meetings, require ongoing training, and hold an annual full-company conference, where we gather to discuss best practices and continue improving our skills and knowledge base. More than 20 full-time admissions experts combine their know-how and experience to advance your cause. We know that our being at the top of our game means you have the greatest chance of success, and together, our team will find the best ways to strengthen your application.

Menu of Services and Associated Costs

One-on-one consultation services, comprehensive admissions and school-specific guides, a robust blog, free eBooks, essay analyses, and other valuable resources—visit our Web site to find all that mbaMission offers.

FREE CONSULTATION
Want to know your chances of being admitted to business school? Wondering how to differentiate yourself from other applicants? Sign up for a free, 30-minute consultation with an mbaMission Senior Consultant today!

FEATURED SERVICES
Complete Start-to-Finish Package
A la Carte Hourly Services
Mock Interview Sessions
Ding Review
Pre-Application Strategy

RESOURCES
Robust blog
Free Interview Primers
Free Personal Statement Guide
Free Selecting Your Target MBA Program eBook
Free Social Media Primer
Business School Insider’s Guides
MBA Admissions Guides
Free monthly online and in-person events

Location: United States

Phone: 646-485-8844

Email: info@mbamission.com

Website: https://www.mbamission.com

Provide a Candid Review

10=Without Hesitation, 1=I would advise against it.

Select "N/A" if you are a career coaching client only.

Select "N/A" if you are a career coaching client only.


The information below is for P&Q verification purposes only. It will not be published. We may email you to verify parts of your review but you will not be added to our email list. Incomplete reviews will not be published.


Please upload a pdf, png, jpg or gif file.

Please provide a valid email address

P&Q Consultant Reviews

  • Admitted To HBS Thanks To Devi!
    2 months ago
    After working with Devi for my HBS interview preparation, I am confident that her thoughtful guidance and direct feedback helped get me over the finish line. I worked with mbaMission throughout the entire application cycle, but when it came time for my HBS interview I knew I needed to go above and beyond. Devi provided the exact structure I needed to do just that. I met with Devi for 2 mock sessions prior to my interview, and just like the actual HBS interviewers she clearly had put in the time to understand who I was as an applicant and came prepared with thoughtful and targeted questions to create an atmosphere that felt like the real thing. Her interview prep was truly a game changer, as ...
    Read the full review
    Class of 2026 Admit
    All reviews are independently verified by Poets&Quants staff.
  • Devi Is In A League Of Her Own
    2 months ago
    I highly recommend Devi for HBS interview prep. In our eight productive sessions, Devi consistently focused on substance, efficiently covering essential topics. Her passion for her work shines through her dedication to my success and her thorough preparation for each session. With insights from her experience on the HBS Admissions Board, Devi offers a unique perspective on the interview process, emphasizing its purpose beyond mere mechanics. Devi's commitment to a growth mindset, which I deeply value, kept me focused on substance over style and motivated me to give my all. She skillfully guided me in presenting my story confidently yet humbly. Devi was also very sweet and did sessions at odd times to accommodate my work schedule and time zone differences. Devi is a remarkable ...
    Read the full review
    Class of 2026 Admit
    All reviews are independently verified by Poets&Quants staff.
  • Devi Is A Compassionate & Expert Guide Through MBA Admissions
    2 months ago
    Devi helped me stand out amongst the crowded and competitive pool of private equity applicants and get into Wharton by helping me uncover the themes that drove the decisions that made up my life. Through her thoughtfulness, patience, and candor she pushed me to translate those themes into essays that I’m proud to say reflected who I am, and who I strive to be. Without Devi’s help, I don’t think I could have presented my application as fully and with such conviction. Gaining admission isn’t all telling a good story, though Devi helped me do just that, admissions officers are looking for candidates that know what they can contribute to the classroom, and what they want to get out of the education. Devi helped me ...
    Read the full review
    Class of 2026 Admit
    All reviews are independently verified by Poets&Quants staff.
  • With Devi’s Help I Got Into HBS
    2 months ago
    Don’t think twice when it comes to working with for your HBS application and interview prep. Her structured guidance brilliantly helped me shape my story, and her candid, actionable feedback raised the bar. Devi’s golden advice, 'Focus on substance,' became my interview mantra.
    Yannis Melandinos
    MBA Class of 2024 Admit
    All reviews are independently verified by Poets&Quants staff.
  • Devi Will Elevate Your Game
    2 months ago
    Devi was instrumental in helping me refine my business school applications which resulted with me getting into Tuck. She is without a doubt an expert in her field and the money I spent with her was well worth it. She was responsive, insightful, and effective at using our allocated hours in an effective way. Devi helped me take my application to the next level and pushed me to elevate my essays and they way I presented myself in the application. I highly recommend working with Devi.
    Class of 2026 Admit
    All reviews are independently verified by Poets&Quants staff.
  • Admitted To HBS With Devi’s Support!
    3 months ago
    If you are applying to HBS and looking for help from an admissions consultant, I guarantee you that choosing Devi is the best choice you can make. Devi has extensive experience, brings unique passion, will be highly invested in your success, and is also just a genuinely nice and fun person. She noticeably loves her job and is intrinsically motivated to help applicants bring forward the best of themselves in the admissions process. I did 5 HBS intensive interview simulations with Devi and the investment was worth every penny. Devi gave me honest, constructive feedback and coached me on how to prepare for the interviews best through actionable advice and "homework". Thanks to her, I could go into the interviews well-prepared and could share my background ...
    Read the full review
    Class of 2026 Admit
    All reviews are independently verified by Poets&Quants staff.
  • Devi Stands In A Class Of Her Own!
    3 months ago
    Working with Devi for my HBS interview was an absolute game-changer! As highlighted by other reviews here, her vast and unparalleled experience and expertise, especially with HBS admissions, makes her THE BEST interview coach. She offers a true reflective experience of the actual HBS interview so you feel fully prepared when it comes round to the day. She is extremely supportive and encouraging as well as always being 100% honest and specific when providing actionable feedback – this is invaluable in helping to push you to reach the highest standards in your interview prep. Perhaps most importantly, she is a word-class coach, teacher and mentor – She did wonders in enhancing my mindset and performance, so I was able to position structured responses, even ...
    Read the full review
    Class of 2026 Admit
    All reviews are independently verified by Poets&Quants staff.
  • Admitted To Harvard, Stanford, & Wharton With Devi's Guidance!
    3 months ago
    Devi's superpower was helping me find my story. I came into the business school application process with very little idea of how to paint a cohesive picture of my life and experiences. Devi was both a partner and sounding board, guiding me through the self-reflection required for me to find my story. Her extensive experience, well-honed instincts, and creative ideas made this process both enjoyable and natural. Devi also brings a unique tough love approach that motivates her applicants to be the best version of themselves in their application. She pushed me to put in the time, always gave her honest opinion, and never settled for mediocrity. With Devi's help, I was admitted to Harvard, Stanford, and Wharton. I couldn't have done it without her.
    Class of 2026 Admit
    All reviews are independently verified by Poets&Quants staff.
  • Devi Will Get You Into HBS!
    3 months ago
    I had 3 mock interviews with Devi and it was an eye-opening experience. I worked with more than 5 consultants for the interview, but I can guarantee that Devi will prepare you the best. She does the mock in the exact HBS style, so I was able to experience in advance what the real HBS interview would be like. She scrutinized my applications, and accurately predicted what the my interviewer would ask. One important advice she gave me is that it is okay to give long answers. Show as much as you can and demonstrate how you can contribute in case discussion! During the interview, I focused on delivering enough explanation and insights so I was able to show how I can be a valuable ...
    Read the full review
    Class of 2026 Admit
    All reviews are independently verified by Poets&Quants staff.
  • With Devi's Guidance I Was Accepted To HBS
    3 months ago
    It was my dream to attend HBS, and I had been planning my application for years. A few months before the Round 1 application deadline, I interviewed 4 admissions consultants from "top" firms. I had three 'musts': familiarity with the HBS admissions process, someone who offered honest and direct feedback, and someone who believed in me. Devi immediately checked all these boxes. During the initial 30-minute free consultation, she provided candid feedback on my resume and helped shape my story. I explained to Devi that I intended to apply solely to HBS, and she was extremely supportive. I had envisioned my HBS admissions essay for years, but without Devi, it wouldn't have been framed so articulately. As an hourly client, both Devi and I had ...
    Read the full review
    Class of 2026 Admit
    All reviews are independently verified by Poets&Quants staff.
  • Devi's Coaching Was Critical To Getting Admitted To Stanford GSB
    3 months ago
    I worked with Devi throughout the whole MBA application cycle, and I know she was instrumental in my successful admission to Stanford GSB. Having compared my experiences and results with peers who worked with other consultants, I can confidently say that Devi is the BEST partner in the space. Devi skillfully balanced encouragement with frank advice. This balance between positivity and objectivity was crucial in navigating the highs and lows of the application journey. Devi's guidance went beyond surface-level improvements; she played a pivotal role in helping me delve deeper into understanding what truly defines me and drives me. Stanford GSB, known for its emphasis on personal introspection, requires applicants to articulate their values and motivations authentically. Devi's questions and genuinely heartfelt discussions helped me ...
    Read the full review
    Class of 2026 Admit
    All reviews are independently verified by Poets&Quants staff.
  • Devi Is A Must For Anyone Who Wants To Build A Strong Application.
    8 months ago
    Coming from a non-business background, I was at a loss for how to even to begin the applications for MBA programs. Devi helped me identify my strengths, weaknesses, and how to best express myself in my essays. Working together, we were able to create a strong and focused application. Once I received invitations to interviews, her advice on how to approach and answer each question proved invaluable. Her knowledge, approachability, and unyielding support were assets that helped me navigate the application process. Even though I am at the beginning of my MBA journey, I am already confident that working with Devi was, and will remain, one of the best decisions I made. I could not recommend her enough for anyone thinking of applying to MBA ...
    Read the full review
    Sourav Dutta
    MBA Class of 2025 Applicant
    All reviews are independently verified by Poets&Quants staff.
  • The Absolute Best Way To Prep For Your HBS Interview
    8 months ago
    I worked with Devi to prepare for my HBS interview, and it absolutely made the difference to getting my acceptance. As a former HBS interviewer, she has unparalleled knowledge of the interview process, combined with her personalized, comprehensive approach enables her to simulate the unique HBS interview process like no other consultant on the market. By the time I did my real interview, it was so shockingly similar to the sessions I did with Devi! As a result, I felt much more well-prepared and felt less much less nervous than I otherwise would have. Devi’s “tough love” and honest approach also instilled a ton of confidence and resilience in me throughout our practice sessions. She doesn’t merely help you polish your answers, she helps you ...
    Read the full review
    Class of 2027 Admit
    All reviews are independently verified by Poets&Quants staff.
  • Amazing HBS Interview Prep Mentor
    8 months ago
    If you've gotten an HBS interview invite, I highly recommend working with Devi! She had studied my application in and out and was able to ask me very targeted questions, very similar to (if not harder than) the ones I actually got in my official interview. I did mocks with my friends and campus advisers but none quite got the right style of questioning that would prepare me for the actual interview. More than anything, it's reassuring to have a someone who knows the process, having been on the other side, to demystify what is a very daunting process overall. Thank you, Devi!
    Class of 2025 Admit
    All reviews are independently verified by Poets&Quants staff.
  • Devi Is A MUST For Interview Prep
    10 months ago
    I would highly recommend working with Devi for HBS interview prep. Once I was invited to interview, I reached out to Devi right away to schedule two interview sessions. It’s no mystery that the HBS interview is daunting, and Devi’s simulated HBS interviews were much more intense and realistic than mocking with my friends. After each of my interview sessions, Devi and I talked for over an hour about presentation skills and answering questions more succinctly and sounding less rehearsed. Additionally, Devi thoroughly reviewed my profile and worked with me to highlight stories that would help me stand out to an HBS interviewer. As advertised, my real HBS interview got very in the weeds, but I never felt rattled or attacked because I had prepared. ...
    Read the full review
    Class of 2025 Admit
    All reviews are independently verified by Poets&Quants staff.
  • Devi Is THE Consultant To Help You Prepare For Your HBS Interview.
    11 months ago
    I worked with Devi to prepare for my HBS interview, and it was game changing. Through her tough love, genuine interest in all her clients, and ability to understand you as a candidate in a matter of minutes, Devi sets you up to be comfortable with any question you're thrown. She was instrumental in my admission. During our two mock interviews, Devi taught me how to discuss the consulting projects I had worked on in a way that revealed my true contributions and demonstrated the work I had put in to achieve my goals. She encouraged me not to shy away from openly sharing my accomplishments and taught me how to do so with humility. And she showed me how to allow myself to be honest ...
    Read the full review
    Class of 2025 Admit
    All reviews are independently verified by Poets&Quants staff.
  • Devi Has My Highest Recommendations
    11 months ago
    I worked with Devi using the complete Start-to-Finish package from mbaMission. Whilst my work experience and GPA average were strong, my test scores were on the lower end of the range. She really helped me brainstorm all possible scenarios to create the best story for my essays. She pushed me and guided me to find my voice and make sure to highlight my accomplishments, believe in my story, and believe in my applications. She went above and beyond to support me throughout the application process — even going out of her way to help me prepare for interviews for schools that were not part of my initial package. When I lost faith in my chances, Devi was always there to show me the way and ...
    Read the full review
    Class of 2025 Admit
    All reviews are independently verified by Poets&Quants staff.
  • Devi's Expertise & Straightforward Approach Got Me Into GSB
    11 months ago
    Devi is an outstanding interview coach, and I cannot recommend her highly enough. I had the pleasure of working with Devi to prepare for my Stanford interview, and she helped me tremendously in honing my communication skills and structuring my answers. What I appreciated most about Devi was her honesty and directness. She never sugarcoated anything, and her feedback was always to the point. Her blunt feedback pushed me to prepare for the interview properly and motivated me to work harder to achieve my goals. Devi's expertise in interview preparation is second to none, and her guidance was invaluable. She provided me with a structured approach to answering interview questions, which helped me to be more confident in my responses. She also gave me excellent tips on ...
    Read the full review
    Class of 2025 Admit
    All reviews are independently verified by Poets&Quants staff.
  • HBS Interview Prep
    11 months ago
    Devi is exceptional. I worked with her for the HBS interview prep. Her intensive mock interviews were instrumental in helping me feel confident and relaxed during the actual interview. Thanks to Devi's background and expertise, I was able to anticipate and confidently answer all possible questions, making the interview feel like a casual conversation. Devi's approach is highly personalized and thoughtful, and she provided me with detailed feedback and guidance throughout the interview preparation process. She helped me structure my story in a way that conveys my strong suit and full potential. In just a few intensive sessions with her, I was able to improve and I was admitted to HBS.
    Class of 2025 Admit
    All reviews are independently verified by Poets&Quants staff.
  • The MBB Of HBS Interview Prep!
    11 months ago
    After working with current students and the hourly consultant I had been working with to prep, I was still left uncertain about how to foolproof my HBS interview prep. Knew what I wanted to say, but wasn't sure how I'd convey it within the context of the HBS interview format. Found Devi after extensive research. She had clearly taken the time to understand my application before our first session and asked all the right questions to push me. She immediately found where I had unease in the presentation of my stories/responses. Devi then worked with me to expertly tailor my framing and responses to ensure I was answering the questions at hand while demonstrating I had the expertise & a passion that I had worked so ...
    Read the full review
    Class of 2023 Admit
    All reviews are independently verified by Poets&Quants staff.
  • HBS Admit: Devi's Coaching Puts Her In A League Of Her Own
    11 months ago
    I cannot recommend Devi highly enough for anyone who receives an HBS interview invitation or is considering working with a consultant for their MBA application. Working with her was an absolute game-changer for me, and I know that her exceptional knowledge of the HBS interview process and her personalized guidance were instrumental to my success. When I received an interview invitation from HBS, I knew I needed to bring my A-game. I had the good fortune to speak with Devi during Round 1, but I didn't move forward with a full MBA package at that time. When I decided to apply again for Round 2, I promised myself that if I received an interview invitation, I would work with Devi. Her credentials, reviews, and experience gave ...
    Read the full review
    Class of 2025 Admit
    All reviews are independently verified by Poets&Quants staff.
  • HBS Interview Prep Advice: Work With Devi!
    11 months ago
    When I was invited to interview at HBS, I was admittedly a little nervous about the high cost of working with Devi for interview prep. But I wanted to put my best foot forward, and I’m so happy I made that decision. Simply put, Devi is an absolute professional at what she does. She delivers a realistic mock interview that quite frankly matches the intensity and pace of the real deal. Devi comes prepared with thought-provoking and challenging questions and has very high expectations. Her feedback is blunt and to the point, but that’s exactly what makes it so valuable. Devi’s first-hand experience with the process shines through as she provides specific, actionable advice on how to best present your authentic self. Not to mention ...
    Read the full review
    Class of 2025 Admit
    All reviews are independently verified by Poets&Quants staff.
  • Devi Is THE Essential Resource For The HBS Application & Interview Prep!
    11 months ago
    Devi helped me gain admission to the MS/MBA program at Harvard. Just a week before the HBS deadline, I started second-guessing my application materials and was so fortunate to connect with Devi. She was able immediately to discern the shortcomings of my essay; she helped me identify new material to add and reframe the narrative to be much more compelling. After I was invited to interview, Devi really showed how she is peerless as an expert on HBS. I signed up for two sessions of her intensive interview simulation. Whereas other consultants might know the general types of questions that might come up in the HBS interview, Devi understands the exact mindset that the interviewer takes on when reviewing a candidate’s background and crafting lines of ...
    Read the full review
    Class of 2025 Admit
    All reviews are independently verified by Poets&Quants staff.
  • Choose Devi For HBS Interview Prep
    12 months ago
    After getting the exciting news that I had received an interview at HBS, I connected with Devi for her HBS Intensive Interview Simulation. While I was initially concerned about the price tag, I can assure you that Devi's services are worth every penny. She came into our interview simulation having researched every element of my resume. Her questions were targeted and thoughtful, and her ultimate feedback on my responses was extremely poignant. She pushed me to consider how I can think about my responses not just as answers but as providing deeper insights into myself as a person, what I care about, and how I translate that into my work. In our second session, she built upon the frameworks from our initial conversation and pushed ...
    Read the full review
    Class of 2025 Applicant
    All reviews are independently verified by Poets&Quants staff.
  • Devi Was Instrumental To My HBS Interview Preparation – Highly Recommended!
    12 months ago
    Since HBS has always been my dream school, I was set to do everything I can in my preparation once I was fortunate to get the interview invite. After doing my research, Devi’s HBS Intensive Interview Simulation came up, and I was ready to work after her webinar! HBS Interview Preparation was the most intense interview preparation for me because of the stake and the unknowns – Devi’s candid feedback, some tough love, and patience with my follow-ups helped me to be more calm, concise, and confident in the process – which made the actual interview become enjoyable as I am confident that I put my best foot forward. The interview prep with Devi was instrumental in getting me into HBS, and her sessions were ...
    Read the full review
    Class of 2025 Admit
    All reviews are independently verified by Poets&Quants staff.
  • Devi Is Amazing - With Her Guidance, I Was Admitted To Both HBS & GSB
    12 months ago
    I worked with Devi on my full application to both GSB and HBS and on the GSB and HBS interviews. Devi teaches you things that you cannot learn from any book/website or forum. Even though many people dread the HBS interview for its rigor, with Devi's expert guidance, the actual interview felt like a breeze. Devi is honest and supportive, and throughout the entire process, I could feel that she believed in my candidacy. Devi helped me explain my work experience in a clear way - something that I struggled with at the beginning. Devi was INSTRUMENTAL in my admission to both GSB and HBS. If you are serious about the process, don't think twice and work with Devi.
    Class of 2025 Admit
    All reviews are independently verified by Poets&Quants staff.
  • Admitted To HBS After Working With Devi 10 Days Before The Deadline
    12 months ago
    With less than 10 days until the application deadline, I made the last-minute decision to hire a consultant to help with my essay. After my first phone call with Devi, I could sense how she wasted no time and gave honest, critical advice that ultimately set up my application for success. Close to the deadline, she worked around the clock to provide helpful insights on my essay and made sure I was getting the most value out of the 5-hour package. She is straightforward with her advice, but I can tell it is only in the best interest of the candidates. I would encourage future candidates to make the decision to work with Devi (and decide a bit earlier than I did!) as my experience ...
    Read the full review
    Class of 2025 Admit
    All reviews are independently verified by Poets&Quants staff.
  • Devi Is Brilliant
    1 year ago
    After reviewing consultants, I decided to take a 30-minute free consultation with Devi to choose someone who would navigate the process wisely in less than a month and help me get into my dream school. After the virtual call that lasted for an hour, I decided to do the complete start-to-finish package with her. Devi gave me clear, direct, and pragmatic instructions on how to efficiently communicate my profile to different schools. The success of my application was brought by her prompt, competent, and objective feedback on materials. My CV and essays would not be the same without her. Her help was immense during the interview preparation process too, when she not only challenged me but also helped me to gain confidence when talking about ...
    Read the full review
    Class of 2025 Admit
    All reviews are independently verified by Poets&Quants staff.
  • Don't Think Twice About Working With Devi If You Want To Get Into HBS!
    1 year ago
    I worked with Devi on my full application and HBS interview. Devi was the consultant I think everyone needs, she's honest, supportive, and efficient. The application process can be very stressful and Devi did an amazing job at helping me go through all the steps perfectly. Crafting my story was the hardest part (for me) as I felt like I had no interesting story to tell but Devi helped me communicate effectively which helped my writing even beyond applications. Devi was very honest and clear which made me trust her feedback even more. I then purchased interview sessions with Devi and I have to say, don't second guess this service - if you get an HBS interview invite get these sessions! Each session was different ...
    Read the full review
    Class of 2025 Admit
    All reviews are independently verified by Poets&Quants staff.
  • Admitted To HBS After Bootcamp Interview Prep With Devi
    1 year ago
    If you got an interview invitation from HBS, that’s a sign that you should work twice as hard on your story as you did during the application stage. I realized that after a bootcamp style preparation for an interview with Devi, a process that helped me to deeply retrospect about my story, reflect on my professional and personal experience and present my achievements in the most natural way. Since our first call, I realized how lucky I was to get a slot in Devi’s schedule. Devi knew my whole application down to every last detail in my CV and essay. We had multiple mock interviews with follow-up discussions on how exactly I could sharpen a particular story: which details should be helpful to liven it up ...
    Read the full review
    Class of 2025 Admit
    All reviews are independently verified by Poets&Quants staff.
  • HBS Admit - Highly Recommend Working With Devi!
    1 year ago
    I did the Complete Start-to-Finish Package with Devi and from the very beginning I could sense how invested Devi was in my success. Her direct and straightforward style helped me put my best foot forward in applications and truly showcase both my accomplishments and personality. More than just helping me pack more in an essay, she pulled out stories and emotions and helped me add more depth to my writing. With regards to interviews - her knowledge regarding the HBS interview was evident. The prep session helped me pinpoint areas of improvement that I was able to address ahead of the interview. I was shocked at how comfortable I ended up feeling during the interview itself. Overall, I'd highly recommend working with Devi for your ...
    Read the full review
    Class of 2025 Admit
    All reviews are independently verified by Poets&Quants staff.
  • Devi Is The BEST At HBS Interview Prep
    1 year ago
    Devi is definitely the straightforward tough love consultant. I had done a fair bit of research before I decided to hire a consultant but I wanted someone to help me narrow down my essay focus and help me "sanity check" my profile. I wrote a 25-page brainstorm document before our first meeting and I could tell she read it thoroughly and was able to very quickly point out what was unique about my profile. She gave me clear instructions on how to approach the orders of essays as well and even though I was hesitant to do my HBS essay last (since it was my top choice), it ended up being the easiest to write and one of my favorite pieces of writing ever. ...
    Read the full review
    Class of 2025 Admit
    All reviews are independently verified by Poets&Quants staff.
  • Serious About HBS? Work With Devi!
    1 year ago
    Devi was instrumental in getting me into HBS, and I was fortunate enough that she still had space. I initially thought that HBS interview would be like any other. How different could they be? Very, as it turns out. From the style of questions, to their substance, HBS interview was unlike any interview I've gone through. Devi knew my application and resume better than I did myself, and she spent more time preparing for our sessions than I did (and I spent a lot of time preparing). Her feedback was on point and actionable, and made all the difference. She also told me when I had enough practice, which I appreciated. Of course, it would have made better financial sense for her to continue, but this just ...
    Read the full review
    Class of 2024 Admit
    All reviews are independently verified by Poets&Quants staff.
  • Amazing Interview Prep With Devi!
    1 year ago
    I had an excellent experience prepping for my HBS interview with Devi, and couldn't have asked for a better outcome! For my actual application, I worked with a different consulting company but signed up for 1 session of interview prep with Devi. Devi was highly recommended by a friend who had worked with her for his HBS interview and ended up getting admitted to HBS and GSB. What I appreciated most about Devi were her candid approach and direct feedback--I had unconsciously picked up a lot of poor interview advice from the internet, and Devi was quick to correct how I approached my responses. Without her guidance, I know I wouldn't have emphasized the right parts of my story to leave an impact in the ...
    Read the full review
    Class of 2025 Admit
    All reviews are independently verified by Poets&Quants staff.
  • HBS / GSB / Wharton Admit – All Thanks to Devi!
    1 year ago
    When I first received an invitation to interview at HBS, GSB, and Wharton, I was overjoyed, but also overwhelmed. I had no idea where to begin and no idea how to prepare. I spent days trying to find the right consultant and ultimately chose Devi because of her amazing reviews and online content (I highly recommend watching her YouTube videos discussing interview prep). I did the intensive interview prep with Devi – I cannot stress enough how essential this prep was for me, not only for my HBS interview but also for my GSB interview. Devi gave me insight into what the interviewers are looking for, she gave me a structure for prepping in between sessions, and she instilled in me confidence in my responses. ...
    Read the full review
    Class of 2025 Admit
    All reviews are independently verified by Poets&Quants staff.
  • HBS Admit: Devi Is A Must For Interview Prep!
    1 year ago
    I did the 3-session HBS interview prep package with Devi and it was absolutely worth it. From extensively reviewing my application, Devi was able to predict the types of questions I would receive in my interview. Each session resulted in a tighter set of key talking points to hit as well as homework to practice. From this, I felt confident heading into the interview and was fortunate to be accepted!
    Class of 2025 Admit
    All reviews are independently verified by Poets&Quants staff.
  • Devi Is Truly World-Class
    1 year ago
    Since the beginning of college, I had my eyes set on eventually applying to HBS, my dream business school. So when it came time for me to choose an MBA consultant to work with, it was a huge decision for me. After months of evaluating various consultants, I ultimately reached out to Devi for the Complete Start-to-Finish Package based on all of her raving reviews. Now, after having worked directly with Devi over the course of several months, I can assure you that she deserves ALL the praise that you see online. Among many other reasons, I came from a highly traditional background and found it difficult to craft a story based on my distinct life experiences. After one single brainstorming session, Devi worked with ...
    Read the full review
    Class of 2025 Admit
    All reviews are independently verified by Poets&Quants staff.
  • Devi Goes Above & Beyond To Prepare You For The HBS Interview!
    1 year ago
    The interview coaching I received from Devi was simply spectacular! She identifies exactly where your gaps are and creates an action plan that is customized to your needs. Devi challenges you to dig deeper and try different ways of answering a question. These exercises tremendously build your comfort, agility, and overall confidence with the interview process. Her wealth of insights and experience is unmatched, and she truly supports you every step of the way. Words cannot begin to express how grateful I am to Devi – she is outstanding!
    Class of 2025 Applicant
    All reviews are independently verified by Poets&Quants staff.
  • Wouldn't Have Gotten In Without Her
    1 year ago
    Devi is a seasoned admissions professional who helped me successfully get into my top choice school (GSB/HBS). She has an extremely direct style which helps you efficiently see areas of improvement in your application.
    Class of 2025 Admit
    All reviews are independently verified by Poets&Quants staff.
  • Great Resource For Interview Prep
    1 year ago
    I did not hire Devi as my main consultant, but I did do her free consultation. I am still recommending her because of the quality of that consultation and because I heavily relied on the resources she has online for preparing for the HBS interview. As an ORM software engineer with a solid background, there are two extremes for consultants. On one end, there's the consultant that will tell you that you'll get in everywhere as long as you sign with them. The other will try to make you aim lower so they can have an easy win. Devi was neither. She was realistically encouraging and gave me actionable feedback on things I could work on before the admissions process. Her free HBS interview prep ...
    Read the full review
    Class of 2025 Admit
    All reviews are independently verified by Poets&Quants staff.
  • If you get an HBS interview, book a mock with Devi ASAP!!!
    2 years ago
    If you receive an interview for HBS, the best thing that you can do is immediately book a mock interview with Devi. Devi not only improved my interview ability with HBS but my interview skills in general. Our mock interview process felt exactly like the real thing and Devi put a ton of time reviewing my application ahead of our mock interviews. I was super well-prepared for the real interview – this was because Devi knows exactly how to prep you through her mock interviews. She asks very detailed questions that reflects what you should expect for the HBS interview and how to think through it. More than that, Devi’s feedback sessions after the mock interviews were incredibly helpful. She will give you the feedback that ...
    Read the full review
    Class of 2024 Admit
    All reviews are independently verified by Poets&Quants staff.
  • Devi Is Fantastic
    2 years ago
    I'm very grateful for the advice and support Devi provided me throughout my application process. Devi always gave prompt, candid, clear, and immensely helpful feedback on my work. What I appreciated most, though, was that Devi matched my intensity. She truly was a partner who I simply wouldn't have been able to navigate the process without and to who I credit much of my GSB acceptance.
    Class of 2024 Admit
    All reviews are independently verified by Poets&Quants staff.
  • Devi Made The Difference
    2 years ago
    Thank You, Devi!!! I decided to work with Devi because I wanted someone with experience specific to HBS for my R2 interview. Devi treated our mock interview sessions very much like the real thing and I could tell she had reviewed my application in detail. The questions she asked pushed me to ensure that I was well-prepared for the real interview and the variety of questions I was likely to be asked. Devi's feedback throughout the process was clear-cut and brief. I know the time I spent working with Devi made a huge impact on the success of my application!!
    Class of 2024 Admit
    All reviews are independently verified by Poets&Quants staff.
  • Devi Is Excellent!
    2 years ago
    Overall, I had an excellent experience with Devi and was accepted to a top-choice program! She was incredibly efficient, knowledgable, and pleasant to work with throughout the application and interview process. She really helped me reflect on my experiences and stories to draw out the most powerful anecdotes, and her approach was very pragmatic. I would strongly recommend her to anyone looking to work with a consultant.
    Class of 2024 Admit
    All reviews are independently verified by Poets&Quants staff.
  • Thank You, Devi! - HBS 2024 Admit
    2 years ago
    I’m so grateful that I chose to work with Devi for HBS interview prep. When I got my R2 interview invite, I knew that I wanted to do everything in my power for it to be successful. If I was denied or accepted, I would have done everything I could. Without Devi, I easily could have driven myself crazy trying to come up with answers to questions that other students had reported in their interviews. The thing is - those questions were only applicable to those students since HBS is so individually catered. As a former HBS interviewer, Devi read my entire application and identified the points she would ask questions about so I could narrow down my preparation and really hone in on the stories ...
    Read the full review
    Class of 2024 Admit
    All reviews are independently verified by Poets&Quants staff.
  • Thank You, Devi!
    2 years ago
    Devi was fantastic - I reached out to her with little time to spare (<1 month) until applications were due for my MPA/MPP submissions. Devi confirmed she could work with me on a flexible time schedule and she was super available to help me cram in everything we needed to get done, but without skipping any steps!! She made sure we did all the exploration, helped me solidify my main story and worked with me with a balance of caring, efficiency, and candidness to deliver my story and guide me through decision points (e.g., retaking GRE). She made sure we got everything in and felt good about it, and it worked - I got into my desired program at HKS :)
    Class of 2022 Admit
    All reviews are independently verified by Poets&Quants staff.
  • Devi is a NO-BRAINER for HBS Interview Prep!!
    2 years ago
    Working with Devi to prepare for my HBS interview was the best decision I’ve ever made. My experience was invaluable, and I can confidently say that I could not have done it without Devi’s advice and training. If HBS is your dream school, I would highly recommend working with Devi. She’s incredibly experienced and knew how to bring the best out of me. Her feedback was very candid and pragmatic. She helped me reflect on my stories and experiences and guided me towards ways that I used to tweak my answers and bring out the personal element in each of them. Devi helped me become a better storyteller and a more engaging interviewee in only 2 sessions. She’s magic! It was very clear for me ...
    Read the full review
    Class of 2024 Applicant
    All reviews are independently verified by Poets&Quants staff.
  • Better Call Devi!
    2 years ago
    And I am glad I did. I literally had 2 weeks for Wharton and 4 weeks for Berkeley. I called Devi. She said – If you are ready to hustle, I am too. And so, we did. We spent the next couple of weeks on the application, formatting the resume, revising the essays, and were able to make it in time. Devi is to the point. If she felt the application wasn’t good enough to be submitted, she would have said so. She made me think and reflect on critical aspects of my life. She urged me to write from the heart and be honest. I got into Berkeley, and I am so excited about it. I wouldn’t have done it without Devi.
    Vinay P
    EMBA Class of 2024 Admit
    All reviews are independently verified by Poets&Quants staff.
  • Invaluable HBS Interview Prep
    2 years ago
    Devi's years as an admissions officer at HBS were incredibly valuable for me in navigating the uniquely structured HBS interview. Devi's mock interviews were so close to the real deal, and her feedback for areas for improvement was essential in showing up prepared for my real interview. If you have an HBS interview coming up, don't hesitate to work with Devi! She'll help you surface the most important parts of the application that the Admissions Boards want to hear as well as craft a cohesive story that flows through your interview. I don't think I would've gotten an admit to the HBS class without her help.
    Class of 2024 Admit
    All reviews are independently verified by Poets&Quants staff.
  • Thank you, Devi!
    2 years ago
    Devi was great to work with and a major help in preparing my business school applications! She really helped me prepare all parts of my application from my resume to my essays to interview preparation. I appreciated how straight forward and frank she was because I knew I was always getting an honest and well-qualified opinion. Would definitely recommend!
    Class of 2024 Admit
    All reviews are independently verified by Poets&Quants staff.
  • GSB Class Of 2024 Admit
    2 years ago
    I chose the two-school start-to-finish package with Devi after completing initial consultations with a half dozen top-rated consultants. Even though she had fewer start-to-finish reviews than some of the other consultants I spoke with, I could sense that Devi was particularly sharp and savvy. But I ultimately chose her because she best understood my career in the financial industry, my goals, and my aggressive school selection strategy. Even before getting admitted to the GSB class of 2024, I was able to say with confidence that I made the right decision. A few aspects of my experience with Devi stand out: 1. She never wasted my time. She’s extremely concise with her comments and conversations and doesn’t add fluff. Her value comes from decisive ...
    Read the full review
    Class of 2024 Admit
    All reviews are independently verified by Poets&Quants staff.
  • Devi Helped Me Land My Dream School's Offer
    2 years ago
    With 2+ years of work experience at the time of application, I was successfully admitted to Wharton's full-time MBA program with guidance from Devi. Communication with Devi is highly effective as her comments are always straightforward and to the point. Devi encouraged me to think deeply about why an MBA is right for me now (since I also come from a quite technical background) and to discover my true motivation and passion for my long-term career. With the help of retrospect and prospect, I was able to tell a compelling story that connected all the dots.
    Class of 2024 Admit
    All reviews are independently verified by Poets&Quants staff.
  • Couldn’t Have Done It Without Devi!
    2 years ago
    I started working with Devi only a couple of months before round 2 apps were due. With only 2 hours of time purchased, she was very efficient and made the most of each and every minute we had together. Devi is the perfect mix of honest and supportive. She helped me reshape my narrative in my applications by clarifying my purpose across my essays and providing thoughtful guidance to my recommenders. Before working with Devi, I was rejected from the one school I had applied to the year earlier. After just 2 hours of time with her, I was accepted to 3 and waitlisted at 1 out of the 4 T-15 schools I applied to. Use Devi!! You will not regret it!
    Class of 2024 Admit
    All reviews are independently verified by Poets&Quants staff.
  • Excellent Experience
    2 years ago
    Working with Devi was an excellent experience. I came to her a bit discouraged after not being accepted to my target schools the year prior. She was the perfect balance of encouraging and realistic - she kept me committed to the process and helped me feel exceptionally well prepared. Happy to have been admitted to Wharton as a re-applicant. I only wish I had worked with Devi the first time around!
    Class of 2022 Admit
    All reviews are independently verified by Poets&Quants staff.
  • Devi Will Get The Best Out Of You!
    2 years ago
    Without hesitation, I can say that Devi helped me put forward my best self in the best light on all my applications. This was more than just helping me format or write the best essays. The most valuable part of my time with Devi was either in our calls or the homework she would give me which really made me introspect. Devi gave me the confidence to write about some of the stories in my life that I may not even have thought to do so without her pulling them out of me. Devi was perfect for me because she gave tough love when I wasn't giving my 100% and assuring advice when I panicked. In retrospect and in discussions with other candidates, I realize this ...
    Read the full review
    Class of 2024 Applicant
    All reviews are independently verified by Poets&Quants staff.
  • Devi Is The Best In The Business!
    2 years ago
    I worked with Devi on two schools and I would not have made it through the process without her! I had a little over a month to get two applications in and Devi helped me navigate the process from start to finish. I appreciated how candid Devi was while going through my story, essays, and interview process. She provided both honest and necessary feedback. It was evident how much she cared about me and I took the advice to heart. After a long journey, I have been admitted to NYU Stern. I can confidently say that I would not be in this position without Devi's help. I would recommend her to anyone who plans on applying to business school.
    Class of 2024 Admit
    All reviews are independently verified by Poets&Quants staff.
  • Loved Working With Devi!
    2 years ago
    Devi did a great job tailoring the experience to my needs and personality. It was clear that she doesn’t have a prescribed formula for each candidate and she gave me what I needed to succeed. She really took the time to get to know me and we quickly established a strong relationship. We worked together to create a cadence and communication style that allowed us to cruise through four applications rather seamlessly. She was great at maintaining a balance - on the one hand offering support and empathy, while on the other challenging me when needed. She helped me gain confidence when talking about my long and short-term goals and write actionable plans to achieve them. She also pushed me to own my accomplishments in ...
    Read the full review
    Class of 2024 Admit
    All reviews are independently verified by Poets&Quants staff.
  • Valuable HBS interview prep
    2 years ago
    In the run up to my HBS interview, I decided to work with Devi (we did three mock interviews together in total) - and I am so pleased that I did. I did a number of mock interviews with friends / colleagues, but they did not replicate the intensity and pace of the real HBS interview in the same way that Devi's mocks did. When it came to the real thing, I was so much more comfortable and prepared than I would have been without her help, and ultimately I feel that this was a factor in successfully passing the interview and gaining admission. Thank you, Devi!
    Class of 2024 Admit
    All reviews are independently verified by Poets&Quants staff.
  • Greatly Enjoyed Working With Devi
    2 years ago
    I spoke with several consultants when starting my MBA applications and ended up signing with Devi due to her supportive but straightforward attitude, results-oriented approach, and comprehensive knowledge of each stage of the process. This turned out to be a great choice – Devi guided me seamlessly through crafting my story, writing essays, and interviewing. Her feedback was direct and always delivered through a school-specific lens. It was clear that Devi thoroughly understood the qualities that would make a given applicant standout to the admissions committee of each program. I greatly enjoyed working with Devi and would recommend her to anyone in need of a consultant!
    Class of 2024 Admit
    All reviews are independently verified by Poets&Quants staff.
  • Devi Honed My Story
    2 years ago
    Devi and I worked together on a two-school comprehensive package. I found the most value in Devi's expertise helping me put together my story. I came in without a clear post-MBA long-goal or the pieces assembled that got me there, and in the span of a couple of conversations she helped me identify and be able to tell that story. Overall, I was invited to interview for and accepted to one of the schools we worked on together, and I had a positive experience working with Devi. It's a big financial investment, but I truly think Devi honed my story in a way I couldn't have on my own.
    Class of 2024 Admit
    All reviews are independently verified by Poets&Quants staff.
  • HBS 2024 Admit
    2 years ago
    I have no regrets hiring Devi as my coach. I actually had consultations with several coaches and different firms before meeting Devi and knowing instantly that she was the right fit for me. She has a no-BS attitude and will give you the direct and honest feedback that you need to put your best foot forward for your HBS application. Devi’s talent is that she is able to pull personal stories out of you that you might not even find compelling or worth sharing. Given her experience on the HBS admissions team, she has seen thousands of applications and knows what is unique/interesting, and what it takes for a successful essay. To me, this was one of the most valuable parts of working with Devi. ...
    Read the full review
    Class of 2024 Admit
    All reviews are independently verified by Poets&Quants staff.
  • HBS Interview - The Best Prep Ever
    2 years ago
    I reserved 5 mock HBS interview sessions with Devi, and they were beyond valuable. As an HBS alum, former HBS adcom interviewer, and veteran MBA admissions coach, she has an insider's perspective on how to do well in the HBS interview. Beyond that, she's also just a lovely person who is really enjoyable to work with. For intensive HBS mock interview prep, Devi reads all of your written application materials, prepares a set of questions, and conducts a 30-minute mock interview followed by 30 minutes of feedback on how you did. At first, I wondered if 5 sessions might be overkill but it CERTAINLY IS NOT! With 5 sessions, we were able to go deep on a different area of my application (i.e. college, job ...
    Read the full review
    Class of 2024 Admit
    All reviews are independently verified by Poets&Quants staff.
  • Working With Devi: A No-Brainer For HBS Hopefuls
    2 years ago
    Does it sound like an HBS alumna and former HBS AdCom member may be well-positioned to prepare you for the HBS interview? If it does, trust your instincts. Devi’s interview prep is easily the best $2,500 I’ve ever spent. I had two hourlong sessions with her scheduled a week apart, and within those she created an environment practically identical to the ‘real deal’ in terms of questions she asked, conversation flow she maintained, pacing, and general demeanor towards me — which in my mind would be impossible to pull off by an admissions consultant who has never sat in on (let alone led!) an actual HBS interview (remember the part where Devi was an HBS AdCom not too long ago? That counts for something). My ...
    Read the full review
    Class of 2024 Admit
    All reviews are independently verified by Poets&Quants staff.
  • Devi Is The Best Of The Best!
    2 years ago
    Devi is the best of the best and I highly recommend working with her and the MBAMission team on your business school applications. Devi is a thoughtful editor, gifted storyteller, and probing mock-interviewer who helped me draw novel connections in my personal and professional journey to best communicate my story. Most importantly, Devi cares deeply about her clients’ success. She takes the time to truly understand your world and is not afraid to give you honest feedback even if it means a late-stage redraft or additional interview prep. While gaining admission is no doubt the goal, working with Devi to craft your personal narrative and reflect on your journey is an experience that will serve you well whether you matriculate in business school or not. ...
    Read the full review
    Class of 2024 Rejected
    All reviews are independently verified by Poets&Quants staff.
  • If You're Hesitant, Go For It - Well Worth The Investment!!
    2 years ago
    A friend of mine who had gotten into both the GSB and HBS had recommended mbaMission, and spoke highly of his experience with one of their consultants in particular. When I reached out to mbaMission to work with that same consultant, unfortunately, she was booked up. Instead, based on my goals, they recommended that I work with Devi. At the time, HBS was my top choice and I was told that Devi was one of their HBS experts. Full transparency, I was hesitant at first: Devi didn’t have as many reviews as my originally requested consultant, and if I was going to pay the hefty price, I wasn’t sure if it would be worth it if I couldn’t work with the person I originally wanted. ...
    Read the full review
    Class of 2024 Admit
    All reviews are independently verified by Poets&Quants staff.
  • Devi Is The Best Investment You Will Make
    2 years ago
    I worked with Devi to prepare for my MIT Sloan interview. Hiring a consultant was a daunting, expensive step for me. However, hiring Devi was the most important investment I made during the business school application process. During our only prep session five days before my interview, Devi was able to hone in on the key aspects of my narrative. I come from a non-traditional background, and I’m not particularly adept at marketing my achievements or aspirations. Devi coached me to be more forthcoming and comprehensive in my answers. Her guidance helped me lean into the strategic implications of my work and restructure several of my responses to classic interview questions. Devi’s advice is targeted, specific, and (most importantly) effective. Not only was I accepted to MIT ...
    Read the full review
    Class of 2024 Admit
    All reviews are independently verified by Poets&Quants staff.
  • If You Have An HBS Interview, Please Consider Devi!!
    2 years ago
    If you have an HBS interview, please consider Devi!! I reached out to Devi once I was offered an interview and it turned out to be a fantastic decision. Devi’s experience as an HBS interviewer enabled her to create a mock session that surfaced many questions that appeared on the actual day. She pressed me where my answers were warranted and created a mock that very closely mirrored the rhythm of the actual day itself. Indeed, our mock preparation was actually slightly harder than my real interview with the result that I felt much more comfortable and well prepared for the questions that eventually came my way. Devi also provided very clear and tactical guidance on how I could improve the quality of my answers. ...
    Read the full review
    Class of 2023 Admit
    All reviews are independently verified by Poets&Quants staff.
  • 2024 HBS Admit
    2 years ago
    When I received the HBS interview, I started doing research. I quickly realized that HBS interview is a different challenge compared to interviews at other schools in two ways, 1)it’s holistic, meaning that the AdCom interviewer would have read my entire application package, 2)it will deep dive into a few of my past experience, instead of asking open behavioral questions. As a result, I could not provide the same stories that I would share for the typical MBA interview questions. Devi was direct. I had two sessions with her. In our first session, she directly pointed out that my responses were too scripted. That was an awakening moment. Particularly when Devi demonstrated to me the difference between a "natural conversation" versus a "scripted presentation". And ...
    Read the full review
    Class of 2024 Admit
    All reviews are independently verified by Poets&Quants staff.
  • One Of A Kind Intensive Interview Prep For Top Schools!!
    2 years ago
    I started working with Devi a week before my HBS interview, and all I can say is Devi is genuinely amazing. I came from a non-traditional background and hadn’t had an interview in almost 4 years. I felt rusty and needed some guidance for the interview process. After just two 30-minute sessions of Devi’s intensive mock simulation, I had the exact recipe on how to ace interviews. Not only did she prepare me for HBS’s interview, but the guidelines and frameworks provided helped me deliver successfully and confidently in all 6 interviews I had. Trust me when I tell you that her direct and experienced approach towards framing your story is key to succeeding with the interview process. Devi was crucial in helping me receive ...
    Read the full review
    Class of 2024 Admit
    All reviews are independently verified by Poets&Quants staff.
  • If HBS Is Your Top Choice, Look No Further
    2 years ago
    Devi was amazing to work with and brought the expertise I needed to nail my apps and get into HBS. I have a non-traditional background and a GMAT score shy of the 700s. If you get a chance to work with her, I would not pass up on it!! I worked with her on most of the schools I applied to. Devi comes thoroughly prepared and has thought through her point of view prior to every touchpoint. She is incredibly experienced and understands what to show off in your profile for each school and where in the process to best do that. She knows exactly how your app will be read, which allowed her to guide me on making very critical decisions- eg. length of ...
    Read the full review
    Class of 2024 Admit
    All reviews are independently verified by Poets&Quants staff.
  • Admitted To HBS! Devi Is THE Best, Full Stop
    2 years ago
    Here’s the punchline: if you’re like me and want to walk away knowing that you did absolutely everything you could to put forward the best application, work with Devi. If HBS is your dream school, there is seriously no comparison. Deciding to work with a consultant is a big step, and it’s really hard to tell who the right person to work with is. I spoke to friends and did extensive research on many consultants, and Devi’s track record and experience as an HBS alum, HBS interviewer, and as part of HBS admissions were clearly unparalleled - so I went all in and decided to work with her from start to finish. By far, that was the best thing I did. Others who had worked with consultants ...
    Read the full review
    Class of 2024 Admit
    All reviews are independently verified by Poets&Quants staff.
  • Devi Helped Me Nail The HBS Interview
    2 years ago
    I worked with Devi to prepare for my HBS interview. I had two 1-hour sessions with her, and it was amazing how Devi was able to get to know me so quickly and provide valuable coaching within such a short amount of time. She reviewed my full applications beforehand, and I feel that she simply cares about getting to know who I am/what I do/why I do what I do/etc/. She is also extremely dedicated to giving me personalized advice by providing actionable things to work on even though interview prep can be ambiguous and overwhelming. Most important of all, Dev is incredibly encouraging and she expressed so much excitement when she saw my gradual improvement from my first to the second session, which truly ...
    Read the full review
    Class of 2022 Admit
    All reviews are independently verified by Poets&Quants staff.
  • Devi Is The Reason I Am Going To HBS
    2 years ago
    Working with Devi for interview prep was the best thing I could have done for my HBS interview. I was already working with Jessica on my applications and she recommended I do a session or two with Devi for my interviews. Not only that, Devi is incredibly supportive and truly someone who wants you to succeed. She is on your team from day one. When I got my acceptance, she called me and congratulated me immediately - she cares so much for her clients and it shows. In my actual interview, because of Devi's incredible skills of pulling out the information that was important, I actually really enjoyed it and had answered some of the questions I got in the real interview with Devi. Devi ...
    Read the full review
    Class of 2024 Admit
    All reviews are independently verified by Poets&Quants staff.
  • Hiring Devi Was A Turning Point For My HBS Application!
    2 years ago
    I worked with a different consultant for my applications but felt something amiss even after completing their mock interview. I attended a P&Q webinar with Devi and her background, confidence, and experience with HBS’ process really appealed to me. I took a risk and purchased her two-interview package because getting into HBS was my lifelong dream. Just five minutes into my first HBS mock interview session with Devi and I knew I was exactly where I needed to be, and in safe hands. It was clear that Devi had spent ample time reading my application and understanding my story. She helped me realize and focus on the most important parts of my application. I was over-explaining things, but Devi helped me be succinct. She fixed my ...
    Read the full review
    Class of 2024 Admit
    All reviews are independently verified by Poets&Quants staff.
  • No BS, How Devi Helped Me With My HBS Interview
    2 years ago
    I worked with Devi to prepare for my HBS interview. We had two sessions and these two hours were very efficient and helpful! Here are objective descriptions about the process, no exaggerations. I have a non-traditional background. Devi is very experienced and knows exactly how HBS admission would read my application. In the first session, Devi went through an HBS-type mock interview and identified a couple of major areas that needed improvements, including 1. topics that I did not know how to deliver in a clear but impactful way, and 2. answers that need to be structured. Devi gave me homework to work on those areas for a week. The second session was a fine-tuning process. Devi really GUIDED me to dig into my application, ...
    Read the full review
    Class of 2024 Admit
    All reviews are independently verified by Poets&Quants staff.
  • Cannot Recommend Enough!
    2 years ago
    I successfully completed all six interviews with top ten MBA programs! If you are fortunate enough to work with Devi, you would be making a mistake to do anything else. I worked with Devi specifically on interview preparation. Devi is likely the most skilled interview coach you can work with. I made it through each of my six interviews successfully (all six of which were top ten schools), which is the strongest testament to Devi’s coaching. Her approach is highly personalized, focusing on bringing you from an average or good interviewer to a stellar one. She will not shy away from the constructive feedback you need to be your best, but she has a gift of instilling confidence in you along the way. She gets to ...
    Read the full review
    Class of 2023 Admit
    All reviews are independently verified by Poets&Quants staff.
  • Devi Got Me Into HBS! Dream School!!
    3 years ago
    In just 1.5 months, Devi helped me prepared 4 applications from scratch! I had a lower-end GMAT core 680-700 with a non-traditional background and decided to apply to the second round very late. Devi investigated my profile on a personal level, help me build my story, and gave me so much confidence to apply for my dream schools. We worked at Harvard, Stanford, Wharton, and MIT. I received interviews from HBS and MIT. I eventually got into my dream school - HBS! Devi is highly experienced in the application process, responsive in providing feedback, and professional in our interactions. Her instincts for what the admission teams are looking for are dead-on for my essays! Devi is incredibly smart to quickly point to the spotlight ...
    Read the full review
    Class of 2023 Admit
    All reviews are independently verified by Poets&Quants staff.
  • HBS & GSB Admit - Only Possible With Devi!
    3 years ago
    I worked with Devi to apply for three deferred MBA programs. With her help, I received interview invites from all the programs and was admitted to two: Harvard and Stanford. I would not have been able to achieve this without Devi's help. Devi pays a great deal of attention to all the details of your story. She has a great talent for understanding what makes you, your story, and your journey unique. Her advice was right on point, perfectly tailored to my background, and enhanced by her wealth of knowledge. As someone coming from a technical background, I tended to dismiss (unintentionally) important business and leadership lessons and focus on technicalities while writing my applications. Devi helped me highlight the key parts of my experiences, ...
    Read the full review
    Class of 2025 Admit
    All reviews are independently verified by Poets&Quants staff.
  • Intuitive, EXPERT coach - Devi enables success!
    3 years ago
    Devi is truly outstanding. If you are serious about HBS, and in particular the interview, look no further. Her instinct is spot on, and her insight and candor pushed me to be more confident, more articulate, and more comfortable. She is patient, understanding, and extremely dedicated - she takes her client's success very seriously. Our two mock interview sessions were extremely productive, and pushed me to get out of my head, to improve, and to sharpen my story and goals. Devi's extensive knowledge across industries was incredibly valuable. Working with her is not only an opportunity to improve your interview experience, but also to get advice and feedback from an extremely smart, successful HBS alum. She is pragmatic and direct, and pushed me to develop ...
    Read the full review
    Class of 2023 Admit
    All reviews are independently verified by Poets&Quants staff.
  • HBS - The Answer Is YES!
    3 years ago
    In July 2020, I started working with MBA Mission to further refine my MBA story and profile. I would have never have dreamed that I am now admitted to my top choice, HBS, for the Class of 2023. The team at MBAMission and Devi have been invaluable throughout the process. I opted for Devi after hearing and reading glowing recommendations, and I was not disappointed. Her demeanor and candor provided invaluable feedback that prepared for the HBS interview process. She provided great clarity on the types of stories that would resonate, and her personalized recommendations were actionable (which was not always the case with other consultants) After three interviews with Devi, I felt prepared and confident to ace my interview.
    Class of 2023 Admit
    All reviews are independently verified by Poets&Quants staff.
  • No Devi, No HBS Offer!
    3 years ago
    The answer is YES! When I got the HBS offer finally, there were too many people I want to say thank you to. Among them, I think the critical person is my HBS mock interviewer Devi Vallabhaneni. I feel so lucky to know her from another HBS alumni, who also got huge help from Devi. He told me that Devi is very effective and sharp. I booked Devi’s mock session immediately. Although I only had one week left for my HBS interview, Devi still helped me arrange two mock sessions with a qualified interval for me. I extremely enjoyed the mock sessions with Devi and her mock questions did happen in the real interview. One of the answers that Devi guided me in also impressed ...
    Read the full review
    Class of 2023 Admit
    All reviews are independently verified by Poets&Quants staff.
  • Devis Is An AWESOME Interview Coach!
    3 years ago
    Devi's encouragement and coaching through the stressful and unfamiliar interview process was pivotal in my acceptance to eight MBA programs. I had to push myself out of my comfort zone throughout the MBA application journey, and especially during the interview process. Her help and feedback were the first steps for me to build confidence with spontaneous speaking and selling myself, and have given me the confidence to continue to improve in this area as I pursue an MBA. I highly recommend her services!
    Class of 2023 Admit
    All reviews are independently verified by Poets&Quants staff.
  • A Friend, Not Just A Consultant
    3 years ago
    What started as a mentoring-mentee relationship turned into almost a friendship by the end. Devi truly connected with me to learn more about my background and how that can help me in my interview. Every step of the way, she encouraged me to be my true self, and guess what, it worked! Her tips are priceless. Her advice on your story is second to none!
    Class of 2023 Admit
    All reviews are independently verified by Poets&Quants staff.
  • Excellent Experience With Devi
    3 years ago
    I worked with Devi from MBAMisson for the R2 2021 app cycle. I was applying to the top 7, schools. I ended up getting interviews for Harvard, INSEAD, and Chicago. I received an offer from INSEAD. I delayed getting a consultant until the very last minute, thinking that I was able to go through this process on my own. The truth is, there is a lot of general information out there, but without a consultant, it is hard to narrow down the specific advice relevant to your application. Thankfully, the team at MBAMission was able to match me with Devi pretty close to the deadline (12/24). Although it was the holiday season, Devi put in work every day to make sure that my application was as ...
    Read the full review
    Class of 2023 N/A
    All reviews are independently verified by Poets&Quants staff.
  • Devi Me Helped Me Make My Application Stand Out
    3 years ago
    I had started working with a different consultant when I had started my application process for the 2021 intake. However, a few weeks before the deadline, I was not very convinced with my application and decided to reach out to MBAMission based on a trusted friend's recommendation. I had the opportunity to work with Devi over R1 and R2, and I must admit that I was super-impressed with what she did to my application. Apart from highlighting my key work achievements, she was able to identify aspects of me that added uniqueness to the overall application. She was always quick to respond to my emails, and our interactions were crisp and effective. Devi had great clarity on my strengths and weaknesses, and she used to ...
    Read the full review
    Class of 2022 Admit
    All reviews are independently verified by Poets&Quants staff.
  • Devi Was Incredibly Helpful - Highly Recommend!
    3 years ago
    Devi was incredible to work with - she took the time to understand my background, pushed me to think through what I really want for my career longer-term and how the MBA fits into that and helped me draw out key experiences that I had (which I had overlooked) to emphasize in my application. She truly cared about me as an applicant, which made the whole experience a lot easier for me!
    Class of 2023 Applicant
    All reviews are independently verified by Poets&Quants staff.
  • Devi Gets Results And Makes The Application Process Much More Enjoyable
    3 years ago
    Devi was extremely helpful to me in my application process. I worked with her doing the start-to-finish package for two schools. I had applied two years ago without the help of a consultant. Devi was great at helping me craft my story for the admissions committee and helping me decide which experiences were the best to tell in which parts of the application. She strikes a great balance of having her own opinions and listening to you. One of the main benefits that I found from working with Devi compared to the first time I applied was that when I applied on my own, I found myself constantly second-guessing what I had written and drafting several wildly different versions of outlines and essays. With Devi, I ...
    Read the full review
    Class of 2023 Admit
    All reviews are independently verified by Poets&Quants staff.
  • Anyone Serious About HBS MUST Work With Devi!
    3 years ago
    The best of the best. Accepted to both HBS and Stanford. I firmly believe that I would not have gotten into HBS without Devi. I had one mock-interview included in a package I had purchased with another consultant from another firm (who helped with my written application); the difference in quality of coaching, feedback, preparation, and questions asked was night and day. Simply put, Devi is the best of the best. If you are serious about HBS, you must work with her. Unlike other schools, HBS heavily weights the interviews, which are conducted by its Admissions Board. If you get to the interview stage at HBS, you have a 50/50 shot of getting in: how you perform will undoubtedly determine whether you get in or are ...
    Read the full review
    Class of 2023 Admit
    All reviews are independently verified by Poets&Quants staff.
  • A Tailored Approach To Ensure Your Own Success
    3 years ago
    There are many consultants who provide the same kind of cookie-cutter service to all their clients and give you the “standard” counsel and help. That is absolutely not Devi; she takes the time to truly comprehend your profile and your story, which allows her to tailor her advice especially to you. This sets her apart, making her the most valuable and professional counsel on the market, and is why I wholeheartedly recommend you invest in her services and take the time to truly heed her recommendations. I got in touch with Devi after my HBS interview invite, and instantly her expertise shined through. After a thorough read through my file and our first mock session, she understood my profile, my strengths, and my weaknesses, and adapted ...
    Read the full review
    Class of 2023 Admit
    All reviews are independently verified by Poets&Quants staff.
  • Devi Is Truly Unique! Nobody Knows HBS Better!
    3 years ago
    I worked with Devi to prep for my HBS interview and she completely rewired my interview performance. If HBS is your dream school then I would not hesitate to work with Devi she is amazing and will be a great investment on your journey to Cambridge.
    Class of 2023 Admit
    All reviews are independently verified by Poets&Quants staff.
  • If You Work With Devi (And Listen To Her!), You Will Be As Prepared As Possible For Your HBS Interview
    3 years ago
    Summary: I had a convoluted story and worked with multiple mock interviewers to prepare. Devi was by far the most prepared, gave the clearest and most actionable feedback, and seemed truly invested in my success. The HBS interview isn’t “hard” in the sense that the interviewers are warm and friendly, and generally don’t ask trick questions. During my preparation, I spoke with several people who had interviewed, both admitted and rejected; almost all of them said that they thought it had gone well. Also, most people who get an interview, especially from finance and consulting, already have experience with difficult, lengthy processes and have developed above average interview skills. That’s why it’s so important to prepare to a level far beyond what you think is ...
    Read the full review
    Class of 2023 Admit
    All reviews are independently verified by Poets&Quants staff.
  • Devi Is The Difference Maker
    3 years ago
    Devi played an instrumental role in my acceptance to HBS. She is the DIFFERENCE MAKER! We did 2 sessions together preparing for my HBS interview and Devi approached these meetings having done her homework, and perfectly customizing her feedback to ensure my success in the interview. Her feedback was candid, clever, and informed by her many years of experience helping successful applicants. I came from a non-traditional employer for HBS, and Devi was critical in helping me to best explain my story, break down what I do at work, the successes, and challenges I've faced, and packaging all that into a great story for the interview. I highly recommend Devi for any applicant and believe she is a true difference-maker in my success and the ...
    Read the full review
    Class of 2023 Admit
    All reviews are independently verified by Poets&Quants staff.
  • You have to work with Devi if your dream bschool is HBS!
    3 years ago
    As a reapplicant, I believe that Devi was key to my admission to HBS. Each one of our interview prep sessions were tailored for me, and she truly forced me to think on my feet with questions from different angles. She always gave candid feedback, and showed me ways I could improve my interview skills. What I learnt from Devi will for sure help me beyond my HBS interview: She taught me how better to tell my story to other people. In the end, the interview did not feel so scary anymore, and I truly had fun during my interview. I highly recommend Devi to anyone who is serious about HBS.
    Class of 2023 Admit
    All reviews are independently verified by Poets&Quants staff.
  • Want to make your dream come true? Devi is THE coach to be at your best for HBS!
    3 years ago
    Stop wasting your time on forums and Youtube videos that claim to reveal the secret of the HBS interview. Work with Devi! After receiving the HBS interview invite, I spent hours reviewing countless articles and videos to prepare and decided to buy coaching sessions with Devi. I came to the 1st mock with Devi as if it was the real interview and was really confident. I was ready as I asked several friends to review my material and did multiple mock interviews. I thought I did well, but the reality was cruel... the performance was terrible. Devi went straight to the point and gave me feedback and tips to improve, and most importantly what kind of structured answers I should give. I was using the STAR method ...
    Read the full review
    Class of 2023 Admit
    All reviews are independently verified by Poets&Quants staff.
  • Devi Is Amazing!
    3 years ago
    I worked with mbaMission and Devi Vallabhaneni for the 2020 MBA application cycle (2021 start). I recommend going with a start-to-finish package as Devi was an amazing resource throughout the entire application process. To begin, Devi and I walked through just about every detail of my personal and professional life and educational background. Devi then helped me to extract stories that would make the most impact in an application, even though I may have overlooked these myself. Devi and I spent the most time on my essays and resume. She helped me to trim parts of essays that would not be seen as important to admissions committees and make my resume more quantifiable and impact-oriented. I found that Devi’s background and familiarity with the schools to which ...
    Read the full review
    Spencer Gliddon
    MBA Class of 2023 Admit
    All reviews are independently verified by Poets&Quants staff.
  • Perfectly Prepared Thanks to Devi!
    3 years ago
    To be brief and clear, if you receive an HBS interview, work with Devi. I am inclined to say that it is worth every penny, but it is definitely worth far more. With Devi’s masterful help, I entered my HBS interview prepared and confident, and ultimately was accepted. Prior to our first meeting, Devi read my application materials with care and asked probing questions that were remarkably similar and, in many cases, identical to ones that I received during the actual interview. Most important, she pushed me to “tell my story” in a way that was decipherable by those outside of my particular industry. Her feedback was clear and focused and at the end of each session, I had my homework marching orders to prepare ...
    Read the full review
    Class of 2023 Admit
    All reviews are independently verified by Poets&Quants staff.
  • The Answer is Yes.
    4 years ago
    I worked with Devi ahead of my HBS interview, and I want to share my experience with you. As you know, an HBS interview is a unique experience. They ask probing questions designed to know you better (which is great), but it also makes it challenging to prepare for what to expect. I had three weeks until my interview, so I made a decision. I had gotten this far, let’s not fall short of the finish line. In my mock sessions, Devi brought her experience as an HBS alumni interviewer to the table. It was clear that she went through all my application materials, understood my narrative, and, most importantly, found the gaps in them. Her questions were straightforward but directed at areas of my ...
    Read the full review
    Class of 2022 Admit
    All reviews are independently verified by Poets&Quants staff.
  • I Went in Feeling 100% Prepared
    4 years ago
    Devi is amazing. In our 3 sessions, Devi homed in on exactly what the HBS admission committee wanted to investigate in my interview and helped me create a tone and brand that rung through my HBS interview. Devi correctly assessed that Harvard would want to dive deep into my knowledge, viewpoints, and expertise on the function I have been in for the past 5 years. When the HBS interviewer grilled me for 10-15 minutes on this exact topic, I felt completely ready to answer their questions. Additionally, Devi helped me hone the persona that I brought into the interview. My demeanor in the interview room was heavily colored by my coaching with Devi, and I felt that it resonated incredibly well with my interviewer since it ...
    Read the full review
    Class of 2022 Admit
    All reviews are independently verified by Poets&Quants staff.
  • A Must For Any School...
    4 years ago
    Devi is one of the most incredible people I have encountered. She, not only fully prepared me for the HBS interview, she transformed the way in which I convey my story. There was not a single question the HBS interviewer asked, that Devi and I had not prepped for. I saw the tremendous lasting impact of Devi while on my Pre-MBA internship interviews. The feedback I received was how succinct my story was and how I was poised and polished. I, without a doubt, will refer anyone I personally know and encourage anyone reading this to use Devi as I know she will generate value far beyond your expectations.
    Class of 2022 Admit
    All reviews are independently verified by Poets&Quants staff.
  • Essential if you are serious about HBS!!!
    4 years ago
    Devi has been instrumental in ensuring my success in the application process. Devi will help you elevate your candidacy from great to outstanding. It is a must if you are serious about HBS regardless of your applicant profile. You do not want to have regrets by missing this great experience. Specifically, her tailored advice on how to interview and present my candidacy was unparalleled given her experience on the board and her holistic understanding of the HBS process. 70% of the questions during the interview resembled in either essence or in entirety what was practiced. Beyond the sheer coverage of key questions, Devi was able to help me understand my candidacy from a different and more strategic perspective. The new view helped me frame the ...
    Read the full review
    Class of 2022 Admit
    All reviews are independently verified by Poets&Quants staff.
  • Profoundly helpful experience - 100% recommend!
    4 years ago
    Devi was incredible to work with and I could not recommend her more! Finding out I had been invited to interview at HBS was one of the most thrilling experiences of my life. But despite reading all of the interview primers, networking with students, and mock-interviewing with my partner multiple times a week, I couldn't shake the uneasy feeling that there was more I could do to prepare. Luckily, working with Devi completely allayed all those fears. She took me on with extremely short notice and, from our very first session, she proved her worth. Despite being lucky enough to go through many mocks with a very willing partner (who manages 70+ people and is in charge of interviewing new candidates at her firm), the ...
    Read the full review
    Class of 2022 Admit
    All reviews are independently verified by Poets&Quants staff.
  • Devi Helped Me Become Next Level
    5 years ago
    Devi is an extremely talented interviewer who helped me become a significantly better interviewee in just three 1hr long sessions (30min mock, 30min feedback). Initially, my interview responses were verbose and failed to highlight my ability to think strategically. Through honest and direct feedback, Devi wasted no time and gave me exactly what I needed to hear in order to improve in just 3 sessions over the course of 2 weeks. I felt much more confident at the end of the process. More importantly, I came away feeling I've learned skills that would benefit me for the rest of my life in business and beyond! I highly recommend Devi to anyone who wants to improve their interview skills.
    Class of 2021 Admit
    All reviews are independently verified by Poets&Quants staff.
  • Great Experience With Great Professional!
    5 years ago
    Looking back, I can say for sure that choosing to work with Devi was the best decision I have made during the preparation for my HBS interview. Devi not only helped me to obtain a deep understanding of the interview process, but step by step worked with me to build my confidence, by emphasizing equally my strength and the areas I needed to improve. What I loved the most was that mock interviews were not aimed to prepare perfect answers on specific questions, rather the goal was to be ready to present the best self no matter what questions would come up on the actual interview. Devi made sure to customize each mock interview to my personal needs. After the third mock interview, the progress I ...
    Read the full review
    Class of 2021 Admit
    All reviews are independently verified by Poets&Quants staff.
  • Devi Dives Deep!
    5 years ago
    I can't give enough praise to Devi for thoroughly prepping me! Her prep also put me in great shape for my Wharton (I got accepted last week!) and Sloan (waiting to hear back in a few days) interviews. To be honest, I was hesitant about getting a consultant's help at first because I was worried that I'd get "over-polished" and reveal less of my personality at the interview. I was completely wrong! Prepping with Devi made me reflect deeper and I ended up having many anecdotes to share outside the ones I'd already stated in my application. Her prep also helped me identify common themes in my experiences and this awareness let me answer the "why" interview questions comfortably. Finally, Devi's interview simulation got me ...
    Read the full review
    Class of 2021 Admit
    All reviews are independently verified by Poets&Quants staff.
  • Best Investment Ever!!!
    5 years ago
    Working with Devi was a fantastic experience! When I first received my HBS interview invite, I was happy, but my happiness quickly turned into panic. I did not know how to prepare for interviews, let alone HBS! Devi’s patience and guidance helped me overcome my challenges. Her dedication to perfect my performance demonstrates her sincerity in helping make a difference in people’s lives. Despite being eight time zones apart, Devi trained me every day via Skype and took the time and effort to fly halfway around the world to conduct with me multiple in-person mock interviews to make sure I was ready for my interview. She helped me self-reflect to extract impactful stories related to my resume and taught me the right approach to connect ...
    Read the full review
    Class of 2021 Admit
    All reviews are independently verified by Poets&Quants staff.
  • HIGHLY Recommend Working With Devi!
    5 years ago
    I cannot recommend working with Devi enough. Once I got the HBS interview, I signed up for 2 mock interviews with her and honestly feel like it could have made the difference between my accept / reject. Having been an interviewer in the past, Devi knows the HBS interview process inside and out. Prior to our first interview she had studied my application thoroughly and was able to ask specific, targeted questions (many of which actually came up during my interview!). In addition to helping me understand what the interview would be like, Devi was particularly good at helping me think through how to answer questions thoughtfully and how to emphasize certain points I wanted to get across. In addition she's super nice, honest, and gives constructive ...
    Read the full review
    Class of 2021 Admit
    All reviews are independently verified by Poets&Quants staff.
  • Absolutely 100% work with Devi! Highly Recommend
    5 years ago
    I had the pleasure of working with Devi for Round 1 of HBS application process during the interview stage. I cannot recommend her highly enough. She is all things you could want in a consultant: extremely knowledgeable about HBS and its process (which leads to really interesting insights), gives very thoughtful feedback that you can actually work on to improve your chances, and is honest and friendly. Devi's interview coaching was fantastic. We set up two sessions which mimicked the real life HBS interview. Devi does her homework: she fully researches and analyzes your entire application beforehand, coming up with tailored and specific questions to interview you with, similar to how an actual HBS interview would. Devi has the benefit of being a former HBS interviewer ...
    Read the full review
    Class of 2021 Applicant
    All reviews are independently verified by Poets&Quants staff.