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395
11,500
Graduate: 9 Years
Firm
School Admissions or Administration
Technology
English
Consultant
Stacy Blackman Consulting
United States
Net Promoter Score: 9.83
Jessica’s career is deeply rooted in MBA admissions, both formally and informally. As an Assistant Director of Admissions for UC Berkeley’s Haas School of Business, she served on a seven-person Admissions Committee, which decided the make-up of the full-time MBA program. Jessica evaluated international and domestic applicants of various backgrounds, including engineering, manufacturing, finance, and marketing, with an average pool of 3,700 applicants for a 240-student program. In addition, she also worked with applicants denied admission to the program and how they might strengthen their re-application. Jessica also worked for her alma mater, Darden, as an MBA admissions application reader. As a reader, she also took part in the Adcom process, providing feedback to the group on applications. Jessica then pursued a career at an executive search firm that works exclusively with private equity firms and their portfolio companies.
Jessica received her MBA from the University of Virginia’s Darden School of Business and a BA in Economics from Tufts University. While at Darden, Jessica was a Consortium for Graduate Study in Management (“Consortium”) Fellowship recipient. She also co-authored an organizational behavior case titled “Melissa Daylon,” which focuses on team dynamics both in the real world and as part of the MBA learning team. A self-proclaimed “generalist”, Jessica spent several years at a think tank, an IT consulting firm, a large media and internet organization, and a successful e-commerce company before finding her calling in supporting business professionals and MBA aspirants to achieve their dreams.
The trailblazer in MBA admissions consulting is the team at Stacy Blackman Consulting (SBC). No other firm has demonstrated not only staying power for over two decades but also built a top-tier team of consultants with bios that would impress even the most discerning MBA applicant. Their real-world MBA admissions committee expertise enables SBC consultants to assess client applications with the seasoned insight of those who’ve served on the admissions teams at the world’s most competitive schools. The firm proudly boasts over two dozen former admissions committee members from every top MBA program, the highest number of any firm, as Poets&Quants highlighted in, Bragging Rights: This MBA Admissions Consulting Firm Boasts The Most Former M7 Adcoms. SBC’s online track record includes being ranked as the #1 MBA admissions firm on MBAinsight, ClearAdmit, CollegeConsensus, ExamStrategist, and BeattheGMAT.
The SBC All-In Service
The majority of our clients choose our All-In package because they understand that the competitive admissions process demands a stellar and strategic application at every level. Essays, interviews, school visits, recommendation letters, and resumes are all guided by an integrated strategy, managed through our All-In service by one dedicated and accountable consultant.
SBC’s All-In Service includes 8 modules:
1) The SBC System™ begins with meticulous matchmaking before we begin an engagement or accept payment.
2) Personal Assessment & Critical Reflection. Your primary consultant will work to understand you authentically along multiple dimensions and create a strategy reflecting what MBA programs are looking for. Your consultant will dig into the who, what, how and why that forms your story through our 360° Personal Orbit ™.
3) We’ll develop a winning personal MBA Application Strategy that answers clearly, “Why should I accept this applicant over the other ones who look equally qualified on paper?”
4) Personal branding is crucial for making your MBA application stand out, and admissions teams love a well-crafted story. Your consultant will help you develop a compelling and cohesive narrative that ties together every aspect of your application—resume, essays, recommendations, and more—tailored to meet each school’s unique expectations.
5) Your success is driven by a collaborative SBC team effort. Your primary consultant taps into a network of former admissions officers and experts for additional insights and you receive exclusive access to The Vault, a comprehensive resource center with decades of application materials.
6) Before submitting your MBA application, ensure it’s flawless with our Flight Test™, where a former admissions officer reviews your entire package with fresh eyes.
7) Take the stress out of interviewing with one-on-one prep with your primary consultant and group prep sessions led by former admissions officers.
8) Our support doesn’t stop once your application is submitted; we continue to assist you in navigating admissions decisions, waitlists, and deferral letters until you accept an offer.
Hourly First Services
Start with 2-3 hours of initial strategy work à la carte to test the waters, and then you can upgrade to an All-In package.
Contact us today to request a free MBA Advising Session with an SBC Principal.
Location: United States
Phone: 866-667-8229
Email: info@StacyBlackman.com
Website: https://www.StacyBlackman.com
10=Without Hesitation, 1=I would advise against it.
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It was so great working with Jessica. As a non-traditional applicant working on a tight timeline with zero exposure to MBA programs beforehand, Jessica struck such a fantastic balance of encouraging me, making sure we remained realistic and making sure I stayed on track while navigating a new process. She took the time to get to know me by asking thoughtful questions, and I felt heard and seen throughout our time together. She then leaned on these conversations to ensure I was leaning into my true self while completing applications. Jessica remained responsive and flexible throughout, and I knew I could come to her with any questions. She also was great at not taking things personally whenever I decided to move in a different direction from her suggestion (which was rare). I was a Consortium applicant, and Jessica’s knowledge of this process as both a student and an adcom member was invaluable.
I was accepted into all schools I applied to, including 2 schools that were initially considered “reach” programs. I received scholarships at all but 2 programs and full fellowships at multiple programs. Jessica’s support played an integral role in these successes, which I would never have imagined as I started researching MBA programs.
Although I was initially skeptical of spending such an exorbitant amount of money on a consultant, I believe Jessica’s support made a significant positive impact on my application process. As a family member put it after I received my fellowships, “oh, I guess that really expensive lady you worked with was worth it.” I couldn’t have put it any better myself. Jessica is truly wonderful, and I’m excited to remain in touch with her moving forward.
When I decided to work with an MBA consultancy, I reached out to three top firms to find the best fit. From my initial call with SBC, it was clear that SBC was the right choice. The attention to detail, in-house talent, and level of commitment was immediately evident and unmatched. My matchmaker, Sarah, was incredibly knowledgeable and took the time to understand my goals, expectations, and personality to ensure she paired me with the most compatible partner.
I can’t say enough good things about my experience working with my primary partner, Jessica. She is a Darden alum and former Darden Admissions Officer, and her familiarity with the program was particularly helpful, as Darden was my top school. Jessica’s expertise allowed her to provide an informed answer to every question I had, and she also utilized the SBC network to ensure a thorough, diversified perspective was always available for reference.
I opted for the “all-in” package for two schools and can sincerely say it exceeded all expectations. Jessica’s support and guidance through each and every step were invaluable, but what I appreciated the most was how dedicated Jessica was throughout the entire process and her genuine belief in my candidacy. She helped me better understand my own goals and pushed me to own and thoughtfully articulate my narrative. She is phenomenal at her job and an absolute joy to work with. Jessica and the support of the SBC team, including another talented former MBA Admissions Officer who conducted my flight test, were without question the key to my success during a highly competitive admissions cycle. I’m proud to share that I received scholarships to both schools and will be attending Darden in the fall. I cannot recommend Jessica and SBC enough!
Jessica was instrumental in my admission to all programs where I applied, including scholarships at all but one. I began by requesting assistance on essays, but I knew she was the right consultant when she challenged (respectfully) my decision-making, preparedness, and story. From there, we were able to carefully craft my story and essays for each school. I can’t thank Jessica enough!
Jessica came highly recommended to me by a friend who had worked with her the year before. Her insights were extremely valuable in helping me understand how to approach various essay topics, craft my personal story in a way that highlighted my unique experiences, and compose a strong and holistic application that resonated with AdComs. Despite applying for MBA programs in what will likely be the most competitive cycle to date, I was ultimately accepted at arguably my top choice – in large part because of her efforts. Jessica’s advice and direction gave me the confidence that I was putting my best foot forward, and I truly enjoyed working with her. Anyone who is serious about improving their MBA application would be wise to hire Jessica as a consultant!
I cannot thank Jessica enough for her support, patience, and tireless efforts to help me put my best foot forward on my application to my top program. I came into this process exhausted, lacking confidence, but certain that my decision to aim high was worth it. Jessica gave me the confidence to convince the AdCom, and myself, that I am capable of reaching this career advancement goal and worth investing in. I am still in a state of shock, but I am mostly overwhelmed by the indescribable gratitude for Jessica’s support. This opportunity would not be possible without her. It has been a sincere pleasure working with Jessica and I can not recommend her enough to anybody who is looking to take their application to the next level!
I cannot express how much Jessica helped me and my application. The time and dedication she spent getting to know me and understand my story was invaluable. Throughout the essay writing process, Jessica provided excellent guidance and insight into how to structure my essay and share my story. She was instrumental in helping me strengthen my application to stand out during the rolling admissions round. I cannot thank and recommend her enough!
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