Pascal Michels

I started the MBA application process with the goal of being accepted to my dream school. Working with Pascal not only led to this but also served as the genesis for a life long friendship.

Pascal is extremely passionate about what he does. Money aside, he derives inherent value out of helping his clients and elevating them to success. He’s real, he speaks the truth (obviously in a tactful way tailored to his client’s personality). Being past the process, I realized this is exactly what prospective candidates need – someone to manage their expectations while guiding them through a mentally debilitating and confusing process, he is the “Shepherd”.

His assistance is anything but surface level. We met every week for over 6 months (he also made himself available via email/text outside our meetings). His affinity for asking questions and his own level of introspection are unmatched. He helped me learn more about myself, especially how my story informs my dreams and how the MBA fits into this multi-variable equation. I could talk to Pascal about anything for hours on end.

Towards the end of the process, Pascal made sure to emphasize that if the results were not in my favor, he wasn’t going to abandon me should I attempt to apply again. A true attestation to his dedication to those he helps.

We’re going to Booth in the Fall! I couldn’t have done it without Pascal’s help. A bittersweet ending to our time together.

Pascal is an amazing consultant, and I can’t recommend him enough if you’re looking for someone who’s honest, transparent, and really wants to help you reach your goals. He knows MBA admissions inside and out, extremely intelligent, an exceptional listener and genuinely cares about his clients. He is such a great guy, who I can now call a friend, and cannot express in words how lucky I am to have worked with him.

I talked to a few consultants before meeting Pascal, and after just one conversation with him, I knew immediately he was the right choice. He never sugarcoated his opinions, hid anything, or pressured me into decisions I wasn’t comfortable with. Instead, he provided candid and invaluable feedback on each program I was considering, always prioritizing my best interests. The advice only continued as we began working together.

My path to a top MBA program wasn’t easy—I didn’t go to a “target” undergrad school, didn’t have a “traditional” career path, and my GMAT and GRE scores were not stellar. But Pascal helped me shape my story in a way that would help me stand out to admissions teams at top schools. I honestly don’t think I would have had nearly as good a shot without his guidance. He was always there to answer my questions, point out important details I might have missed, check in on how I was feeling, and keep me grounded when I started to worry.

I ended up only applying to my top choice (INSEAD), and got in—I am over the moon with the outcome!

Pascal and Menlo go above and beyond with everything—from resume reviews and mock interviews to networking tips and advice on parts of the admissions process you might overlook. I’m so glad I chose to work with Pascal.

Thank you again, Pascal!

As I embarked on my MBA application journey, I knew it would be as challenging as preparing for an Ironman. I started with the early bird package at Menlo and began working with Pascal, not realizing how pivotal his role would be. Our weekly meetings quickly became deep dives into my life – covering everything from family and work to my dedication to sports. Through this process, Pascal came to know me better than many of my closest friends.

What began as a professional relationship evolved into a friendship, so much so that I traveled to Amsterdam to celebrate my acceptance to Columbia University with him. Pascal’s empathetic nature and ability to create a space where I could embrace my vulnerabilities allowed us to uncover the stories that truly resonated with admissions committees.

His guidance led to my acceptance at two Ivy League schools and two M7 schools. Pascal worked tirelessly, often late into the night, and was always flexible and available. I am incredibly grateful for his support and have nothing but high recommendations for him.

Menlo Coaching and Pascal were the best thing that could have happened to me through my MBA application experience. The 10-month coaching experience helped me beyond getting the offer.

Thanks to Pascal’s approach, I was encouraged to think about my career choices and long-term aspirations more deeply and practically. Thanks to his extensive experience in the field, Pascal’s advice when it comes to MBA admissions is extremely insightful. It goes a long way in not only helping me write good essays but also rationally structure my career plans.

We spent around 5 sessions digging into my personality and goals, throughout which Pascal asked inquisitive questions that turned out to be deeply inspiring, much like talk therapy conducted by a professional life coach. He also remains very responsive throughout the 10-month marathon, answering my questions with care every time despite our time difference.

Additionally, I want to mention my experience with Menlo Coaching at large. They were very professional and organized in their approach to helping candidates prepare. Besides Pascal, I also worked with Maya Parikh – another consultant at Menlo, on other application pieces like resumes and recommendation letters. Maya was similarly competent in the items she helped me with. She and others in the Menlo team were instrumental to my success.

I worked with Menlo for almost 9 months from GMAT prep to acceptance and waitlist at top MBA schools. Prior to working with Menlo, I spoke to several consultants and friends about their process. My biggest fear is that I would be given a few worksheets, speak with them once a month, and ultimately not get the support I wanted.

Pascal and Menlo blew me away. They were present at every single stage. Pascal and Menlo know exactly what a great resume looks like and we spent about 2 months revising my resume. During this time Pascal really got to know my background inside and out.

When working on recommendations, Menlo worked directly with my recommenders to ensure they captured the very best of my work ethic and personality. I felt comfortable as they sent out their recommendations to my schools that I was going to be represented in a way that showed my best qualities.

Pascal worked with me on my essays over 4-5 months. We wrote and re-wrote essays to be used for over 10 schools. He provided me in depth guidance on how to adapt my schools for my 3 chosen schools to the 7 I applied to. He knew when to push me to find a new anecdote or story and when to include certain details. He helped me brainstorm questions for networking and cold emailing students to speak to. I am so proud of the essays we wrote and our process.

And finally for interviews, I was able to work with several people at Menlo. I was able to conduct mock interviews with Maya and Obinna which really helped me practice my answers and show my best self.

Menlo is a community. I had access to all of the students who worked with Menlo and I hope you work with Pascal because I can’t wait to speak with you about the process.

I am excited to attend NYU Stern this fall and I hope to see you there.

There is only one word to describe my experience with Pascal – amazing!

Pascal has a vast amount of experience from his time in admissions and knows what makes your profile stand out. But what really sets Pascal apart from other admissions consultants is that he is genuinely invested in your success. It felt like I was Pascal’s only client. He is very easy to work with and will go the extra mile to make sure that you get your best shot at b-school. Pascal was always ready to help me tweak an essay or hop on a call to do interview prep. He truly lived through the b-school application process with me.

In the end, I got into all of my target programs. I don’t think I could have done it without him – thanks Pascal!

I heard about Menlo from two contacts who had positive experience previously. I also knew some domestic consultants in my home country, but I decided to go for Pascal and Menlo for their approach.

During my time working with Pascal, I didn’t feel that I was going through a stressful process to get all application materials ready, but it was rather a wonderful mentoring experience: When I wrote my essays, instead of telling me what I should write about or what are each school’s characteristics that I need to highlight, Pascal taught me how to network with current students and alumni to figured that out myself (we got plenty of time to do this exploration since I signed up for the early bird package). For my personal story, Pascal genuinely listened to my life and upbringing and we put together the best pieces. This process also made me realize how my past shaped who I am and who I want to be in the future. I also switched job during the application process, and we discussed whether that was a good move together.

I received 3 offers and 3 WLs out of the the 8 schools I applied to (M7 except GSB, Yale and LBS) in R2. One M7 school offered me scholarship as well! It has been a great pleasure working with Pascal and I really appreciated his coaching along this journey!

As a non-traditional MBA candidate, I knew I faced unique challenges in the admissions process. Pascal proved to be the perfect guide for my journey. From the start, he took the time to delve deep into my career motivations and stories, helping me to articulate them compellingly. His dedication to understanding my background and aspirations was evident in every interaction.

Pascal is an exceptional mentor. He was always available when I needed him, providing timely and thoughtful feedback. Together, we crafted a robust strategy for my applications, ensuring that every detail of my essays and application materials was polished to perfection. His attentiveness to even the minutest aspects was remarkable.

As an anxious person, I often doubted myself, but Pascal’s unwavering belief in me was a constant source of encouragement. He pushed me to be bolder in presenting my achievements and aspirations, which significantly boosted my confidence. His support extended beyond the application phase, as he also helped me prepare thoroughly for my interviews.

Thanks to Pascal’s expert guidance, I received scholarships and fellowships from top MBA programs, including M7 schools, totaling nearly $400,000. His assistance was invaluable in navigating difficult situations during the application process, and he was instrumental in negotiating offers from various schools. Ultimately, he helped me choose the program that best aligns with my goals and aspirations.

I cannot recommend Pascal highly enough. He is an intelligent, empathetic, and dedicated consultant who goes above and beyond for his clients. If you seek someone who will not only guide you through your MBA application journey but also believe in your potential and help you realize your dreams, Pascal is the consultant you need.

I connected with Pascal after I got rejected with no interview when I applied directly to several M7 schools. From my first contact with Pascal, I realized that he genuinely cares about my story. He took a generous amount of time to understand me as a person, and by doing so, he was able to act as a perfect coach to support me in crafting and presenting my story. Throughout the process, I never felt rushed. Pascal provided me ample time to reflect and effective comments to further strengthen my draft. This process allows me to produce powerful essays, in my voice, with my personal story, that is relevant in the context of the MBA application process. During the interview preparation process, Pascal provided me ample opportunities to practice through mock interviews. As a final result, I received interview invitations from 2 schools out of HSW, of which I successfully converted one into an admission offer. I wholeheartedly recommend Pascal to anyone interested in perfecting their personal MBA admission story. 

As someone who didn’t know what to expect from the MBA consulting process, Pascal wildly exceeded all expectations and, in no small part, became my greatest cheerleader throughout the process. As someone who genuinely didn’t think they had what it took to get accepted to my reach school, Pascal not only helped me believe in myself but devised a deftly crafted roadmap to help me attain this goal. All this he did while being one of the kindest, most generous people I’ve had the pleasure to get to know. I’m thankful not just for his immense help in getting me into Wharton, but his friendship and generosity along the way. I sincerely believe the MBA application process is not just a destination, but a journey, and I absolutely recommend Pascal to be your guide and consultant as you take this important step.

I’d spoken to a lot of different advisors from multiple consulting firms before deciding on Pascal and Menlo. All of the advisors were professional and knowledgeable about the MBA admission process. Pascal was different – the warmth and energy that radiates from his is tangible. He is not only incredibly well versed in the art of MBA applications but is candid, thoughtful and a joy to be around. We worked together for 8+ months, from school selection to resume drafting and interviews. Pascal was there EVERY step of the way. Most importantly, our relationship grew from client-consultant to actual friendship. In the end, I secured multiple M7 offers, none of which would have been possible with Pascal. To those of you considering other admissions firms or other consultants – go with Pascal. You’ll gain much more than admits to your dream school. You’ll gain a supporter, a confidant and a friend.

TLDR: I unreservedly recommend Pascal. He is the best at what he does. He was instrumental in getting me into my target school, as well as landing my MBB offer. In the process, he became a good friend. So much so, that I invited him to my wedding!

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I have a really unorthodox background. And not in an obviously favourable way. Never had a conventional job. My goal was to get into LBS and land an offer at an MBB London office.

When I reached out to some of the other top tier admissions consulting firms, almost all expressed their doubts. One even outright told me to forget about MBB. And I appreciate their honesty.

Pascal was equally honest but the difference was that he truly believed in me, and that we could get this done. And that’s my top tip: go with someone who really believes in you, because that type of confidence is contagious and you’ll need it throughout the process.

Pascal won’t write your essay. He’ll do something much better. He’ll help you find your drive and build it into a narrative that is genuine and compelling. I cannot stress enough how valuable this will be; not just for admissions, but more importantly for recruiting.

Defining my narrative and ambitions with Pascal really allowed me to excel during interviews and helped me land my dream job at an MBB London office during a year when recruiting for consulting (or anything for that matter) was really tough.

The service is not cheap, but I can vouch that it is the best of the best. It’s a holistic approach and includes elements of executive coaching. The only caveat is that you need to trust the process and commit. Share as much as you can about yourself and put the work in. You won’t regret it.

I wholeheartedly recommend Pascal as an excellent advisor to guide any aspiring MBA candidate through the grueling application process. The entire application process took over a year (from GMAT studying to applications to interviews to offer negotiations), but Pascal was there with me every step of the way – I spoke more with Pascal some weeks than even my best friend during the peak of the application process (which goes to show how committed Pascal is) – and in doing so, Pascal became not just an advisor, but a friend and confidante (who I continue to keep in touch with to this day!).

As a round three applicant starting the process in February for end of March deadlines following a tech-layoff, I was in full sprint mode to complete my MBA applications. Pascal did not sacrifice getting to know me for the sake of time. He took the time to understand my background, my experiences, my strengths, and my values to make sure that my whole-self came through in my applications. His warm demeanor is ever present and is coupled with wisdom from years of experience. He beautifully held the line of providing constructive feedback, pushing me to produce my best writing, while also maintaining an encouraging attitude from start to finish. During the grueling two month sprint Pascal, along with Menlo Coaching’s unique Base Camp application portal, helped me manage the timeline of work to be done for all applications keeping lines of communication open while factoring in my personal life schedule which included 4 different time zones. In 8 weeks, I applied to 4 top MBA programs (26 essay prompts), took the GRE twice, and visited each school. Ultimately, I interviewed with 3 schools, was admitted to 2 and both with scholarships. I sincerely couldn’t have done all of that without the guidance and support of Pascal. I cannot recommend him enough!

I worked with Pascal from October 2022 to March 2023, through which he assisted with my R2 applications. His candid comments and advice on my school choices, essays and strategies are truly invaluable. With limited time and feeling persistent pressure, he suggested we catch up twice a week and so we ended up working very closely. (Indeed he became the go-to person for any doubts or questions I had and was always responsive.) His track record and experience were extremely helpful in the entire process. Ultimately, with his support, I will be pursuing my MBA at Booth.

Most exceptionally, even though Pascal was not the consultant of my partner (who was also applying to business school at the same time), he was very helpful and did not mind providing support to her at all. For example, he would conduct mock interviews for her and also invite her to join our weekly calls, answering any questions she had. Through this, I could easily see that Pascal is not just a consultant hoping to complete his work for a client but someone who genuinely cares for his client by doing his best to help both my partner and I get into the same business school (which was beyond the scope of his engagement). Because of his help and strategy, both of us ultimately received offers from Booth, Stern, Johnson, LBS and Ross.

Special thanks to Maya, Pascal’s colleague, as without her meticulous care and guidance, I wouldn’t be able to complete the tasks by myself and navigate this intense MBA application journey. Thank you Pascal and Maya!

Pascal is a fantastic consultant! I initially chose him as I was interested in LBS, and his tenure at IESE, as well as his international perspective on the often overly US-focused MBA process, was a strong draw for me. However, through his guidance, I learned to navigate the process with the help of a seasoned professional. Pascal prepared me to receive admits from both LBS and HBS (the latter of which I only applied to at his prodding!). He was an absolute joy to work with and was instrumental in crafting my HBS essay. Pascal is warm, convivial, and cares deeply for his clients. I have nothing but positive things to say about him and my experience with Menlo.

Pascal also had my work with his associate Maya who diligently aided me in my resume restructuring. At first, I was worried that I would not see as much of Pascal, but he made sure that Maya was additive to the process – not a replacement! We met weekly for about 6 months as I prepared for R2. I highly recommend him and the larger Menlo team to anyone who is interested. Thanks again!

My experience working with Pascal has been absolutely fantastic and looking back now I feel incredibly grateful for having made the decision to have Pascal as my MBA consultant. Results-wise, so far I have already got offers from both LBS & IESE, with a very significant amount of scholarship.

Throughout my application process, I was dealing with an incredibly stressful job and poor health but Pascal made my life so much easier with his professional advice that was always on point and helped me boost my efficiency in my application prep. I was able to save a ton of time and energy. He also gave me many useful tips to ace my interviews and to come up with solid scholarship essays as needed for certain programs. The results I have received so far are also amazing.

In addition to being an absolute star MBA consultant, Pascal is a truly caring and kind person who goes way beyond simply giving application advice – I have been able to learn so much more from his experience and his approach to navigating career changes. Our regular weekly catch-up during the application prep process had definitely become something I looked forward to even during my busiest season of work. Our conversations were always intellectually stimulating and allowed me to reflect on my life on a much deeper level as I put together my MBA application essays. I believe that the positive impact these conversations had would last in the years to come.

For anyone out there looking for a life-transforming MBA experience, I would highly recommend having Pascal as your MBA consultant. He makes every bit of time, energy, and money you spent on this process worth it! I honestly would give him a hundred stars if there’s an option for that.

I am writing to express my highest recommendation for Pascal Michels. I had an outstanding experience working with Pascal and I truly believe that his guidance and support were instrumental in securing my acceptance into my dream school, not to mention with a very prestigious, full scholarship.

From the very beginning, Pascal stood out to me as a phenomenal consultant. Despite the tight deadlines we faced, he took the time to really understand my story, my background, and my goals. He went above and beyond to get to the bottom of every aspect that might have an impact on my application and provided me with invaluable feedback and advice that helped me present myself in the most authentic way.

What I found most remarkable about Pascal’s approach was his ability to connect with me on a personal level, very often, I would contact him late at night and he would always be available, even during the deadline periods, he would respond – no matter how “insignificant” my concerns were. The MBA application process can be incredibly emotionally draining, but Pascal was always there to provide encouragement. He was someone I could lean on during the toughest moments, and his unwavering positivity and dedication were incredibly inspiring.

Throughout the process, Pascal was not only my consultant but also my friend. He took the time to get to know me on a personal level, and I felt like I could always be candid and open with him, which shaped the uniqueness of my application. He challenged me to see things in a different light and helped me realize my true potential, especially when overthinking is the enemy – Pascal has the uncanny ability to make things simple, even in the minds of others.

Overall, I wholeheartedly recommend Pascal Michels as a consultant. His attention to detail, dedication, and personal approach are truly second to none. I am confident that anyone who works with Pascal will have an exceptional experience and benefit greatly from his guidance.

I am taking all the credit for choosing Pascal as my consultant! It was probably one of the best decisions I’ve made as it altered my career along with many others.

I would be remiss if I didn’t mention Maya Parikh, she greatly assisted me with my resume and brought out clear ideas and achievements with an extremely limited word count. Not to mention, she’s the one that constantly reminded me about deadlines, which is a great help, more than you realize prior to the start of the process.

Maya and Pascal make a fantastic team and every meeting with them could clearly be measured by deliverables necessary for success!

From school selection to scholarship negotiation, Pascal was my trusted advisor. At every step of the journey, he supercharged my personal story, writing proficiency, and interview strategies to win offers and scholarships from M7, T10, and T15 schools. Working with him was my secret weapon, and I strongly recommend him to prospective MBA students who want to craft their best MBA application. Pascal is the real deal and is worth your time, energy, and money.

I initially contacted Pascal because IESE was my dream school. However, given my poor mental health history that affected my undergraduate performance, my priority was to find a competent and empathetic consultant that could help me frame this delicate topic in the right way. Since, in addition to IESE and LBS, I ended up receiving an offer from Wharton, I guess we did an amazing job!
We immediately established a very friendly and productive relationship, thanks to his ability to share invaluable insights from his personal life, his experience as an MBA student, and his jobs in finance and later as the head of the admission at IESE.
He is always available and his suggestions are obviously top-notch. I was genuinely impressed by how fast he is at thinking and editing. Lastly, because he himself interviewed hundreds of candidates, the mock interviews were game-changing and helped me gain a lot of confidence.
I could not recommend him enough! The only reason why I am sad to be attending Wharton next year is that I will not be able to see Pascal for some more tapas and beers in Barcelona. I am sure we will meet each other again though.

I am delighted to write a recommendation for Pascal, a phenomenal admission consultant at Menlo Coaching. I strongly encourage anyone who feels insecure about their past or themselves to consider using Pascal’s services for their MBA applications.

When I first approached Menlo Coaching, I was apprehensive about my chances of getting into a top MBA program. With an undergrad GPA of 2.8, I feared that my application would be summarily rejected by all M7 and T15 MBA AdComs. However, Pascal showed no hesitation in taking me on as a client, despite my academic record. He treated me with respect and dignity, helping me to recognize the “hero” in myself and find the confidence to face any future uncertainty.

Over the course of a year, Pascal worked patiently with me, allowing me to find my own path and guiding me toward success. His outstanding work paid off in the end, as I was admitted to both M7 and T15 MBA programs with a partial scholarship. I have no doubt that I could not have achieved this without Pascal’s help, support, and encouragement.

In retrospect, unlike many other MBA applicants who may have consulted or interviewed several admission consultants or consulting firms before deciding whose service to use, I chose Menlo’s service after my initial consultation meeting with Pascal. I was immediately impressed by his reassuring approach. Rather than making promises or sugarcoating my situation, Pascal was candid and honest with me, helping me to prepare for the worst while still holding out hope for success.

Pascal’s work with me went beyond simply helping me with my MBA applications. His work “Pensées” is a remarkable collection of philosophical musings that delve into the complexities of human existence. What sets Pascal apart from his contemporaries is his ability to create a safe and supportive dialogue in which I was able to confront my past failures and shortcomings in a healthy way. As someone who has always had his guard up, I initially found those MBA essays that were designed for thorough self-reflection extremely hard to write since I tended to write in a “diplomatic” way. However, Pascal made me realize the limitations of my past view and beliefs and helped me connect the dots and see my life in a new light. His help in this regard was truly priceless.

Throughout the application process, Pascal remained calm and strategic, helping me to stay focused even when the odds were against me as I faced major challenges at work. His recommendations were always spot on, and I had faith that if I followed his advice, I would have the greatest chance of achieving my goals.

Finally, Pascal is a master of “soft-talking,” able to soften my tone in writing and help me to communicate with greater humility and grace. His talent in this regard is something that will benefit me not only in my MBA applications but in all my future business interactions and meetings. Again, this soft skill is also priceless.

In summary, I wholeheartedly recommend Pascal’s services to anyone who is considering an MBA application but feels insecure about their past or themselves. Menlo Coaching’s overall service was exceptional, and Pascal was a key part of that success. He helped me to see the best version of myself, set me on a path to success, and I am confident that he will do the same for anyone who hires him.

I worked with Pascal for most of the summer of 2022, getting ready for Round 1 admissions. From the beginning, Pascal was an incredible asset in helping me achieve my objective of admission to a top-tier business school.

Pascal is incredibly flexible and understanding of personal circumstances, which was a great help as much of the work we did was while I was at sea on a warship, without much in the way of good Internet connectivity. He has worked with multiple veteran applicants before, and his background in Finance means he is a perfect consultant if your goal is to recruit into the field of Investment Banking (as mine was.)

Pascal is someone who is unafraid to hold applicants accountable to their deadlines and requirements – you definitely won’t have someone telling you only what you want to hear. That being said, Pascal is incredible in his talent for being able to distill the overarching themes of your life and turn them into useful essay vignettes. Every draft of an essay I submitted was turned around within the expected timeframe, with evident care and attention given to each draft. With Pascal, you will always receive nothing but the highest level of performance.

Moving through past the application stages, Pascal was again an incredible help in helping me to prepare for my interviews. His background as an Admissions Director at IESE gives him a detailed understanding of what the schools are looking for in the applicants they are inviting to interview.

Ultimately, I can definitively say that I would never have been able to acheive my result without Pascal’s help and guidance. I can’t thank him enough for helping to make my successful transition out of the military (and my future dreams) possible.

To be honest, having worked with sub-par consultants in the past for college admissions, I did not have the highest expectations of finding a good consultant to help with my MBA applications. Working with Pascal completely changed my mind. He is a real expert in this field and knows all the schools inside out. Over our countless brainstorming sessions for my HBS essay, Pascal’s warm personality made it incredibly easy for me to open up to him and share my unfiltered life story with him in order to produce the most authentic and compelling materials. Pascal has a way of inspiring people to dig deep within themselves through introspection, and then he will help you piece all of your ideas together to make your essays flow seamlessly. His level of attention to detail is also admirable. I cannot remember the number of times I’ve bombarded him with questions over WhatsApp, yet he was always so accommodating and responsive with helpful insight and edits. Before my final HBS draft, we had accumulated 20+ versions of just this one essay! It’s obvious that Pascal truly cares about his clients, and he is genuinely happy about their success. I could not have asked for a better consultant than Pascal; he is in a league of his own. I am grateful for all the help he’s given me throughout the process and I am glad to have made a new friend.

I worked with Pascal for over half a year on the whole MBA process, from essay ideation to essay writing, and the interview process. I spoke with a couple of other consultants from different companies but only felt comfortable speaking candidly with Pascal. I found it hard to craft a story from the get-go, but Pascal helped me dive deep into my personal background, and we finally found a thread in my story after many sessions. During the essay writing process, Pascal helped me edit all of my different drafts, spotting the smallest mistakes I wouldn’t have thought about. By the time we reached the interview process, I was so familiar with the aspects we wanted to highlight about my story given that we had gone through it so many times throughout the previous steps, that interview prep went by extremely smoothly. I will be attending an M7 school and am incredibly grateful to Pascal for his guidance throughout this process.

Pascal Michels was an outstanding resource for me as I learned to navigate the Executive MBA application process. Although I have a strong educational background and extensive experience in my specific industry, only very recently had I begun to think an MBA would be useful for my career. Engaging Menlo Coaching and choosing Pascal more on intuition than on anything else was likely the smartest thing I did to ensure I could be accepted at some of the top EMBA programs in my region.

Pascal and the team at Menlo are proactive in providing instruction on the basics of the application. Pascal himself demonstrated he could provide excellent advice and feedback during the planning, execution, and review of the application components. He was able to provide the perspective of someone who might have to review hundreds of documents for dozens of applicants. He was easy to work with and very flexible in his approach. He repeatedly emphasized the importance of two things: being authentic and being memorable. He was candid when he thought I was not effectively being authentic and memorable. From simple tasks like producing a succinct resume to more difficult tasks like telling meaningful and unique anecdotes in the requested essays, Pascal motivated me to produce a better representation of who I am and what my accomplishments have been than I could have done myself.

In addition to the invaluable coaching, Pascal also helped guide me toward being very selective about which schools to apply to. Being a leader in a demanding junior executive role, I believe this perspective was also critical because it taught me to narrow my applications to just two schools: Sloan in Boston and Wharton in Philadelphia. If I had applied to more, I doubt I could have given each application the attention each deserved.

Pascal and Menlo Coaching tailor their approach to your specific needs and while I don’t have experience with other organizations, the value of their assistance speaks for itself. I soon found out that I was admitted to both programs. Without their advice and coaching, I suspect I would not be in the same position I am today – having the difficult choice of deciding between two excellent EMBA programs.

Pascal is an oracle. He possesses a prescient, near-omnipotent ability to pierce the opaque veil that is the admissions committee. How does he accomplish such feats? By focusing on you, the applicant. Pascal had me walk him through my entire life, asking questions and steering the conversation as we went. By the time we were done, I had discovered so much about myself that I had never even considered.

With this newfound knowledge, I drafted my first essay confident that Pascal would love it. He hated it and made me redo it. I thought he was being extreme until I realized that I was typing what I thought the admissions committee wanted to hear. I was fake and inauthentic. Pascal immediately identified this.

The next draft went much better and that’s when Pascal told me to apply to HBS. I had never even considered it. I had bad grades and went to a small state school, but none of that mattered according to Pascal because I had a story to tell and he would help me tell it.

Even after submitting my application, I was extremely weary and didn’t believe HBS would ever consider me for an interview until they did. Pascal went out of his way to conduct mock interviews and provide additional coaching and feedback. The interview at HBS was a walk in the park compared to the preparation I undertook.

In the end, I was accepted at four of the very best business schools including HBS and none of that would have been possible if not for Pascal and his immense talent to put you, the applicant, front, and center. The secret is to tell your story and no one can help you tell it better than Pascal.

I had a truly incredible experience working with Pascal on my applications. We worked together for 18 months as I went through the application process, and he offered his undivided attention and support throughout every step of the process. Pascal was always able to accommodate my schedule, and he made himself available to talk or review my essays regardless of the time of day.

His guidance went far beyond just the application, as he encouraged me to think deeply about who I was as a person and who I wanted to become. This level of self-reflection is something I couldn’t have achieved by myself, and it made a huge improvement in the quality of my applications and my ability to communicate effectively during my interviews.

Pascal also drove me to exceed my expectations in regard to my test scores. My GMAT had plateaued in the low 700s – not only did he push me to take the GMAT five times, but he also strongly suggested I switch to the GRE after I had exhausted all of my GMAT attempts. I was frustrated, exhausted, and discouraged, but Pascal helped me find another gear in regard to my work ethic. I ultimately scored 330+ on my first GRE attempt – a score I never would have achieved without Pascal pushing me to succeed.

As a candidate with a 3.2 GPA in undergrad, I was pleasantly surprised with my results. I submitted 8 applications in R1, received 7 interviews, and was admitted to 6 schools. I will be attending Wharton in the fall, which felt like a huge stretch when I began the process. Pascal’s guidance made all of the difference and having him as my consultant was worth every penny.

It was an amazing experience getting to work with Pascal during my MBA admissions process. It was also one of the best decisions I made during my application process, and I know my applications would have been nowhere as good without Pascal guiding me through the process. I really cannot thank him enough!

Pascal is a veteran of the process and immediately puts you at ease. He is very responsive to any questions, and he knows all the schools well and has extremely useful insights into what they are looking for. But perhaps most importantly, he really takes time to get to know you and your story and helps you craft a compelling narrative that is both true to you and attractive to an MBA admission committee.

He spent countless hours helping me draft and redraft my essays until they really got across my story in a compelling way. He also spent many hours helping me perfect my interview answers. Without his help, I really doubt that I would have made it into one of my top choices. I cannot recommend Pascal (and the rest of the Menlo team) highly enough!

Working was Pascal was one of the highlights of my application process. Pascal helped demystify what would have been a very intimidating journey. He knew exactly what each of the schools I was applying to were looking for and walked me through the whole process with ease. I honestly don’t know how I would have fared had I done it alone or whether other consultants would be of the same caliber. Money very well-spent. I got admitted to the school I wanted most and I owe a lot of that to Pascal’s intelligence, time management, and knowledge of the industry. He’s also such a great guy who I am still in contact with months after admission.

Pascal is a phenomenal consultant and I would not be in the position I am today without him.

From my first meeting with Pascal, I knew I had made the right choice. He takes the time to get to know you on a personal level and asks insightful questions to curate your story for MBA AdComs. He brings his unique perspective as someone who has studied an MBA, worked as an Admissions Director, and hired MBAs in the industry. He is very knowledgeable about all the top MBA programs and what they look for in candidates. He also knows the application process of each school inside and out. He is able to focus your time and energy in the right place through the entire application process, which is huge when you are applying to multiple schools with multiple essays required for each.

Pascal is very generous with his time and was involved in everything from identifying the programs that offered the experience I was looking for, to negotiating scholarships between multiple admissions offers, and ultimately accepting my #1 choice.

Pascal possesses every quality you would look for in an MBA consultant. He is an absolute joy to work with, and knows when to be supportive and empathetic to the stresses of the process, and also when to push you to get the best out of your application. He is realistic and honest when it matters, and is patient in reviewing essays countless times and conducting mock interviews.

I know that my application would not have come close to his caliber had I submitted it on my own. I would recommend Pascal to anyone applying to a top MBA program.

If I’m being perfectly honest, I don’t think I would have gotten into my dream program (Chicago Booth EMBA in London) if I hadn’t worked with Pascal. Before I talk about how good he is at what he does, I just want to mention what a joy it was to work with him. I’m very disappointed that I won’t be speaking with him as frequently now. He is very respectful, always wears his heart on his sleeve, and is extremely intelligent. I am very happy to have gained a friend in him; he is someone I will continue to be in touch with for many years to come.

When it comes to the provision of his professional services, Pascal is expert an expert at what he does. I do not say that lightly – Pascal is an expert at what he does. There is no way I could have put forth a better application if I had worked alone. He is very knowledgeable about the top MBA programs in the US and Europe and knows exactly what they look for in candidates. That, in particular, was evident both when he was providing guidance in my drafting of the personal statement and when he was coaching me for the interview. He prepared me for both the expected and unexpected questions (he asked me so many unexpected, but still relevant, questions during our practice that I got used to being thrown off). This came in handy during the actual interview with Booth as I was asked questions I wasn’t expecting but thankfully managed to maintain my composure.

I am a very happy client and cannot recommend him enough.

If you are looking for an understanding consultant to bring the best out of you, look no further than Pascal. He genuinely wanted to get to know me as a person and was very patient throughout the entire process. His passion and genuine interest allowed him to provide insightful comments on my essay and helped improve the overall flow of my applications.

Pascal spent countless hours with me, working on every aspect of the application. He was also extremely helpful in navigating the post-acceptance process. I was accepted into five schools, all with varying levels of scholarships. Ultimately I chose a T-15 school with a full tuition scholarship.

Without any hesitation, I fully recommend Pascal to anyone looking for a top consultant that genuinely cares about you as a person. I could not have asked for a better person to help me through the process, and I would not have been able to make it without him.

When I first met Pascal, he gave me a very candid and realistic overview of my profile and how he could help me show the best version of myself to admissions. He is not shy to point out my weaknesses, which I really appreciated because it still gave me time to improve on them.
Throughout the application process, Pascal had been very supportive. We would schedule periodic catchups and review my progress on my applications and preparations. He was also very encouraging during my GMAT prep and gave a lot of advice.
After spending time to know me on a personal level, Pascal gave me meaningful comments and insights on my essays. Pascal was able to strategically find ways to improve the overall flow of my essays and tailor the message I want to deliver to the schools. I couldn’t have asked for a better counselor and wouldn’t be able to make it without his guidance and support!

I got into Wharton with a Joseph Wharton Fellowship and could not have done it without Pascal. What can I say that has not been said here?! My experience was flawless. Pascal is truly outstanding – an excellent coach and advisor, and an absolute pleasure to work with. Beyond his support with essays and general application (always incredibly responsive and helpful), Pascal spent hours helping me practice for the interviews, the part of the process I was most concerned about. I probably had a good chance of being called for an interview, but am 100% certain I would have not made it out with an offer had I not worked with Pascal. Other than that, having the Menlo team was a great asset as well, for all the resources they shared, the help in reviewing my resume, a mock TBD, etc. – all of which were included in the one-time fee.

Pascal is a phenomenal consultant whom I had the pleasure of working with as a re-applicant. I was apprehensive about working with an admissions consultant again, but Pascal is truly in a league of his own.

For some context, I had worked with a different admissions consulting company in the previous application cycle and was roundly rejected. It was admittedly a tough application year but I was devastated and demoralized. I was apprehensive about working with an admissions consultant again; the process can often feel so transactional and impersonal.

Pascal completely changed the experience for me. He is markedly different from any consultant I’ve spoken to or worked with before. He is so compassionate, thoughtful, and insightful. He really takes the time to get to know you and your past experiences, both professional and personal. I really felt like he cared, which made the application experience so much better. He’s great at delving into your life story and picking up on things you might not have even realized are important. He helped me craft a clear, compelling story to tell to AdComs, which I struggled with previously because my career path is non-traditional and a bit scattered.

For anyone who might be concerned that his professional experience is primarily in Europe, you have absolutely nothing to worry about. He is extremely experienced with top American MBA programs, as he is with European ones. The vast majority of his students apply and are accepted to US programs, myself included.

I am pleased to report that this cycle, I was offered interviews at multiple M7 schools and accepted to every one I interviewed at. A complete 180 from my experience last year, when I received zero interview invites. Pascal was a key difference-maker and I could not recommend him enough.

From the first time I spoke to Pascal, I could tell he was different from other consultants. During the free 30-minute consultation I had with him I could tell he cared. Pascal took the time to get to know me and what I was looking for. I can’t say the same about the other consultants I spoke to. I had a terrible undergrad GPA and was currently working in a sales role which isn’t exactly the most attractive job in a top MBA program. I had no idea what I was going to write about in my essays but using his experience as an admissions director Pascal took the time to help me craft a story that was appealing to top MBA programs. Pascal was also more than generous with his time. He was available anytime I needed him and the turnaround time on my essay drafts was amazing. The longest it ever took Pascal to get an essay back to me was two days! Other consultants I spoke to charged extra for such a quick turnaround time. He also had no issues going through the same essay 5+ times until it met his high standards. Pascal even took the time to personally prepare me for the many interview invites I received. Not only that but Pascal was a pleasure to work with. I actually found myself looking forward to our meetings. In the end, I got into multiple top schools that I no doubt wouldn’t have been able to without his help. I even received a $90,000 scholarship at one of them! If I had to give Pascal a rating of 1-10 I would give him an 11. If you need that extra push that will get you into the school of your dreams Pascal is the guy for you. I can’t recommend him enough.

I started to work with Pascal a year before I actually applied. He has been incredibly patient and helpful throughout the entire process. Despite being busy with more pressing deadlines for other candidates, he carved out time to have weekly discussions with me.

Through these meetings, we got to know each other quite well and I believe that served as a key advantage as we drew out stories in my life and career onto papers.

Moreover, when an unforeseen opportunity presented itself during that time, Pascal served as a sounding board and more importantly, directed Menlo’s resources to help me to fully take advantage of that opportunity.

Finally, with Pascal’s help, I received 9 out of 10 interview offers from the schools I applied to and was accepted into my dream school, HBS.

I knew that getting into a top 10 MBA program is important for me to even consider getting an MBA when I started my MBA admission journey in 2020. After breaking the 700 GMAT barrier, I decided to work with the best admission consultant out there and Pascal’s name came up multiple times during my due diligence. After our introductory meeting, I realized that Pascal would be the right person to work with to attain my goal.

And I was proven right. During our weekly calls, Pascal took the time to listen to my stories. The best part about him is that he encouraged me to go in-depth in every facet of my life during those sessions. This is important because writing essays become much easier when a student explores every aspect of his/her story.

During the essay writing part, Pascal’s guidance was very essential. He pointed out the part of my stories that are unique and helped me focus on those aspects during my writing. Also, Pascal was always available in giving his feedback even during hectic times. For example, Pascal once responded to one of my questions late at night when I was not expecting him to answer me.

Beyond essays, Pascal and I did plenty of mock interviews before my MBA admission interviews; those mocks really helped me go into the interviews with a lot of confidence. He also utilized other resources from Menlo Coaching because he really wanted me to get into my top schools of choice.

The result of all his efforts is me getting into my top choice school in 2021. At the end of the process, I must say we have become great friends and I am grateful for all the work Pascal has done for me.

Pascal has a unique, holistic approach to admission counseling. He possesses a deep understanding of the admission process and is there for you throughout the entire process. Business school applications are stressful and to me, an international student, quite unfamiliar.
Backed by Pascal’s guidance and knowledge, I was able to navigate the ambiguity a lot better. He greatly helped me to identify the MBA programs that fit me best and were able to estimate my chances at any one of them. Furthermore, whenever I had questions, he always responded immediately with clear guidance. Perfection is in the details and I personally felt that all these little tips and to-do’s made a significant difference in the end. MBA applications are much more than a GMAT score and some essays.
That brings us to the inevitable question: “Can he help you to write a stellar essay?”. The answer is yes, undoubtedly so. He helps you to understand your profile, to identify your strengths and weaknesses and those aspects that make you unique as a candidate. By doing so, he enables you to craft a unique story with resonates strongly with the admission committee.
I come from a rather non-traditional background and was struggling to match those traditional profiles. Pascal really helped me to realize that there was no need to and, together, we were able to tell my story in a very sympathetic and compelling way.
Of course, an application does not end there. Compelling essays are usually followed up by an interview. I already mentioned the holistic approach. We took our time to practice. Possibly, even too much since, in all honesty, once your story is clear and compelling, delivering a strong interview is only a small step. It did pay off however, every interview invite was converted into an offer.
In the end, I greatly advise anyone who is seriously considering an MBA to hire an admission consultant. For me, Pascal was a great stress relief and helped me to stay on track. Moreover, we booked incredible results together. I applied to 6 programs and got accepted into 4, waitlisted at another. Among my offers are top international programs, an M7 program and a scholarship at a top 10 program.

If you are on the market for an MBA consultant, look no further than Pascal of Menlo Coaching. I spent weeks interviewing various MBA consultants and could not be happier that I decided to work with Pascal. From my experience, the three key differentiators between Menlo Coaching and other consultants are the following: (i) personalization of the consulting process, (ii) time invested, and (iii) complementary resources.
First, Pascal recognizes that every MBA applicant is different. As a female from a “non-traditional” sales background, Pascal encouraged me to lean into the parts of my life that make me unique. Throughout the application process, he so adeptly helped me create a narrative that highlighted these differences. Pascal ensures that the admissions committees are presented with a 360-degree view of you as a person, not just you as an applicant. Pascal spends the requisite time (and then some) understanding his clients so that he can help you present your best, most holistic self in your applications.
Second, and most importantly, Pascal cares. He demonstrates this by investing as much time and energy as is necessary to help you present your best possible self to the adcoms. There were countless times I sent Pascal panic emails asking him to hop on a call to discuss a component of an application or to review one last essay or email. He was there to assist no matter the time or situation.
Lastly, outside of the one-on-one time that is spent with your consultant, Menlo offers group applicant sessions, coaching from external communication coaches, and mock interview prep with Menlo consultants. During the group sessions, I was able to ask questions to other Menlo applicants and receive valuable feedback on my essays and resume.
To help applicants prepare for interviews, Menlo facilitates one-on-one sessions with professional communication coaches and provides mock interview prep with Menlo interview consultants. If you are someone that struggles with interviews I would 10/10 recommend Menlo for these resources alone.
Candidly, I underestimated how arduous the MBA application process would be for me. If it weren’t for Pascal and his constant encouragement I’m not sure I would have been able to hit those submit buttons! Now I have acceptances from Kellogg and Columbia and on the waitlist at Stanford (fingers crossed!). I cannot recommend him and Menlo Coaching enough.

Pascal is an extraordinary coach and consultant. When I started the MBA application, I was not in a great place. I came from an international, non-traditional background. I had an interesting career path, but my GMAT score and my GPA were not stellar, and I had little confidence in my application prospects.
I interviewed several consultants and was disappointed that they tended to steer me towards “easy” schools. Speaking with Pascal and David for the first time, I felt that they genuinely believed in me, and cared about helping me craft the best possible application.
I started working with Pascal in April 2020 for a Round 1 application targeting 8 schools. At first, I was uncomfortable telling my story. Pascal has a way of putting people at ease and drawing out the best. Rather than filling out an intake form, we had twice-weekly calls and developed a wonderful rapport.
Pascal was brilliant at connecting the dots and posing thoughtful questions that coalesced into a solid narrative. Going through this process, it was a breeze to craft the essays. Pascal is a wonderful writer, making the process less intimidating (and actually fun). He was incredibly responsive and generous with his time, happy to go through dozens of mock interview sessions until I felt confident and thoroughly prepared.
Pascal’s genuine warmth and kindness, his ability to draw out the best in each person, and his thorough knowledge of the different perspectives in the application process were invaluable.
Combined with Menlo’s resources and program, I could not have asked for a smoother and better application resource. Menlo’s video modules were efficient and organized, breaking the application down into manageable steps, and let me work at a pace that fit my schedule. The interview prep sessions Menlo provided were excellent, giving me tools to relax and structure my preparation. Finally, Menlo encouraged me to retake the GMAT and connected me with an amazing tutor who helped me achieve my target score.
I am so grateful to Pascal and Menlo for helping me get interview invites to almost all the schools I applied to, and for getting me into my dream school – Wharton! Also, as an unexpected bonus, I thank Pascal for helping me figure out my deepest motivators and passions, and map out what I actually want to do with my life.

It has been a pleasure working with Pascal and Menlo Coaching. I started my engagement with Pascal in Mar 2020. I had access to byte-sized videos not only explaining the various aspects of the application but also providing valuable insights. Coming from a non-feeder industry, I needed someone to guide me through the application process. We spent a lot of 1-1 time discussing about my background, motivations and post MBA career options. Pascal is very good at putting pieces together and looking at the big picture. I really appreciated the honest feedback about my application strategy and countless essay drafts. As for interview prep, I think we have beaten it to death and the constructive feedback was very helpful. I ended up getting an offer with a scholarship from one of the top MBA programs (and my first choice) in the world. I highly recommend working with Pascal!

I worked with Pascal for interview preparation and strategy for a globally recognized Top 10 MBA program (and my #1 choice). Pascal took the time to thoroughly understand my candidacy, identify the potential areas of weakness for me, and teach me how to professionally address them in an interview setting. He taught me what an admissions committee primarily looks for in a candidate and how I could shine a light on those areas in my profile. As a former admissions head himself, he knows the ins and outs of this game.

Furthermore, he was instrumental in helping me craft my answers to not only the common MBA interview questions that matter the most, but also the tricky and curveball questions that one cannot expect. After speaking with him, I realized I had a huge scope for improvement, and he helped me get there. He pushed me to dig a level deeper into my answers and tested me where it mattered. It all really made the difference on interview day; I was super prepared – smooth sailing.

Long story short – a few weeks later I was accepted into this program, and I’m looking no further. Could not have done it without him, and I am truly grateful for his guidance and support. Would recommend 1000 times over. Good luck to everyone reading this!!

I worked with Pascal for interview preparation and strategy for a globally recognized Top 10 MBA program (and my #1 choice). Pascal took the time to thoroughly understand my candidacy, identify the potential areas of weakness for me, and teach me how to professionally address them in an interview setting. He taught me what an admissions committee primarily looks for in a candidate and how I could shine a light on those areas in my profile. As a former admissions head himself, he knows the ins and outs of this game.

Furthermore, he was instrumental in helping me craft my answers to not only the common MBA interview questions that matter the most but also the tricky and curveball questions that one cannot expect. After speaking with him, I realized I had huge scope for improvement, and he helped me get there. He pushed me to dig a level deeper into my answers and tested me where it mattered. It all really made the difference on interview day; I was super prepared – smooth sailing.

Long story short – a few weeks later I was accepted into this program, and I’m looking no further. Could not have done it without him, and I am truly grateful for his guidance and support. Would recommend 1000 times over. Good luck to everyone reading this!!

Pascal is a wonderful consultant that helped me prep 6 MBA applications, one of which I only had 2 weeks to complete! He is incredibly generous with his time, meeting with me at practically any time of day, and responds with feedback very quickly. He also helped me immensely to craft my story, a piece that I was most nervous about initially, to something I know is miles ahead of what I would have come up with on my own. We dug very deep into my background, my motivations, and the experiences that made me who I am today, a process that has been incredibly beneficial even outside of the MBA application process. All in all, he helped me craft an application that I am actually very proud of and I am excited to be going to Wharton soon!

I was very happy with the overall process and support provided by Pascal. He gave me invaluable input on how to structure my essay and tweaked my tonality wherever needed and assisted me with the whole interview prep process. Besides the quality of his work what sets him apart from other consultants is his ability to take a personal interest in his clients cracking the application processes of top schools. Menlo coaching is a one-stop solution for prospective MBA students.

Pascal helped me prepare for the interview that got me into INSEAD MiM. In only 3 days, he helped me become much more confident about the interview. He gave me really specific and detailed advice on what and how to improve.
I would totally recommend Pascal to anybody!