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600
12,200
Graduate: 15 Years
Independent Consultant
Harvard Business School
Yale University
Economics
BCG
Morgan Stanley
English
Managing Director
mbaMission
United States
Net Promoter Score: 9.96
I completed my BA in economics and political science at Yale (for which I have been an admissions interviewer since I graduated) and my MBA at Harvard Business School. Over the past 30 years, I’ve been fortunate to work in investment banking at Morgan Stanley in New York and Los Angeles, in private equity in California, in consulting with BCG, and in the nonprofit sector to advance issues I am passionate about, including education and workforce development (with organizations such as DonorsChoose and Jobs for the Future). I’ve also had the privilege of leading collaboration, conversation, and curated counsel for private communities of Fortune 100 C-suite executives through my work at World 50. This variety of experiences has provided me with a great deal of perspective on the unique and dynamic nature of work and leadership in many industries, insight that I use to help candidates tell compelling stories about where they’ve been and where they want to go—especially when that may involve transitions across sectors.
I genuinely enjoy building relationships and connections, and there is nothing I look forward to more than getting behind resumes and CVs and into what applicants truly care about while helping them to see themselves in a new light. My own story began with my father—who was the first of my Italian family born in this country and who raised us on the pillars of hard work, education, and family—and has stretched to opportunities and experiences he could not have imagined for his daughter. I am passionate about helping others unlock the same kinds of opportunities and believe that the pursuit and achievement of an MBA can be a transformative experience.
I consider the opportunity to serve as a dedicated advocate for each of my clients a true gift, and I treat each application journey as if it were my own. I bring my passion, warmth, candor, and unwavering support to the process of customizing and communicating strategic guidance to every applicant, and in most cases, we both end up gaining a lifelong friend in the process.
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.
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
Email: susanmcinerny@mbamission.com
Website: https://www.mbamission.com
10=Without Hesitation, 1=I would advise against it.
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I cannot recommend Susan highly enough. She was in my corner every step of the way and consistently went above and beyond what I expected from an admissions consultant.
She helped me with everything from identifying schools and exploring potential career paths at the beginning of the process to navigating final decisions and, once I was admitted, getting into the right mindset to actually begin business school.
Susan helped me take a lot of scattered thoughts about my experiences, goals, and motivations and turn them into a cohesive story that made sense not only to admissions committees, but also to me. The brainstorming process she led me through forced me to think more deeply about what I actually wanted from business school and my career, and I came out of the application process with more clarity and direction than I expected. That made not only writing my essays much easier, but even completing the career-related pre-work for my full time MBA program.
Susan also helped me navigate waitlists, difficult admissions decisions, and scholarship negotiations, continuing to strategize with me even when things didn’t initially go the way we had hoped. Ultimately, I was admitted to three of the four T15 programs I applied to and will be attending with a significant scholarship, and I KNOW that would not have been the outcome without her guidance.
Susan is also a rare combination of direct and comforting. I always trusted her to be completely honest with me and tell me what I needed to hear, but whenever I came to her convinced that something was a problem, she somehow had a solution and a path forward. She was equal parts advisor, coach, cheerleader, and, occasionally, big sister/mom, all while being an incredibly sharp businesswoman who knows this process inside and out.
I am incredibly grateful for Susan’s guidance, patience, and belief in me and would recommend her without hesitation to anyone applying to business school.
I worked with Susan on my interview prep for deferred enrollment programs, and she was excellent throughout the entire process. She helped me develop my personal narrative, prepare for behavioral questions, and strengthen my rationale for the programs I interviewed for. I believe that her insights were the difference maker in my acceptance to one of my dream schools. Outside our interview, Susan provided constant guidance over email that was both candid and supportive. This service certainly comes at a premium, but the return on investment is substantial! I couldn’t recommend her more highly.
I spoke with several MBA consultants before deciding to work with Susan, and the difference was obvious from our very first conversation.
While many consultants focused on my weaknesses or offered generic advice, Susan immediately saw the bigger picture. She took the time to understand not just my resume, but who I was as a person, what motivated me, and what made my story unique. More importantly, she gave me something I desperately needed during a difficult application journey: faith, honesty, and a clear strategy.
My MBA process spanned multiple application cycles and included plenty of highs and lows. Through all of it, Susan was a steady source of guidance. She knew when to push me and when to remind me not to lose confidence in myself. She never sugarcoated things, but she also never made me feel like my goals were out of reach. Every conversation left me feeling more focused, more prepared, and more capable.
Susan is far more than an admissions consultant. She is an exceptional storyteller, strategist, coach, and thought partner. She helped me connect the dots across my experiences in a way that felt authentic to who I am, while also helping me understand how admissions committees would view my candidacy. She consistently found strengths and opportunities in my story that I would have overlooked on my own.
Even after applications were submitted, Susan continued to be an invaluable advisor. She helped me navigate interviews, waitlists, scholarship negotiations, school selection, and some of the biggest career and life decisions I have faced. At every step, I felt like I had someone in my corner who genuinely cared about my success.
Today, I am heading to my dream program with a generous merit scholarship package, and I can say without hesitation that I would not be where I am without Susan’s guidance. Working with her was one of the best investments I have ever made. She is worth every penny.
If you are looking for someone who will not only help you get into business school but also help you become a stronger, more confident version of yourself throughout the process, I cannot recommend Susan highly enough.
Susan went above and beyond every step of the way in this process. She is an amazing story teller and did a great job helping me think through both my personal interests as well as how to brand myself in my applications. Even after I hit submit, Susan made herself available, helping me navigate negotiating scholarships, choosing a program, and even framing the conversation with my current job on leaving. She truly was invested in understanding my story and helping me prepare the best materials possible that were authentic to me. I would not have received such a great scholarship package without her help and am so grateful to have had her in my corner throughout this process!
If you’re looking for a great MBA coach, look no further. From the moment I started working with Susan, I felt like I had a true partner throughout the entire process. Applying to business school comes with both incredible highs and challenging lows, and Susan helped me stay grounded, focused, and committed to tackling one step at a time.
What I appreciated most was the time she invested in truly understanding my story – what made my background unique, how to position my experiences effectively, and where the biggest obstacles to a compelling application would be. Rather than offering generic advice, she tailored her guidance to me and helped craft a strategy that was effective and manageable while working a stressful full-time job.
As a former athlete, I especially valued that Susan always told me what I needed to hear, not simply what I wanted to hear. Her candid feedback, high standards, and thoughtful coaching pushed me to improve every aspect of my application and ultimately helped me earn admission to several top MBA programs.
Even when we adjusted our strategy along the way, Susan consistently instilled confidence, provided valuable perspective, and helped me focus on the bigger picture. I am incredibly grateful for her support throughout this journey and know she is someone I will stay connected with for years to come.
Working with Susan during my MBA application process was incredibly valuable. In just a month and a half, she helped me bring structure and clarity to my applications at a time that felt very overwhelming. She guided me in identifying the right stories for my essays, helped me think strategically about which test to take, and provided thoughtful feedback throughout the process. What I appreciated most was her support during stressful moments. Preparing interviews with her was also extremely helpful, her insights made a real difference in how I presented myself. I’m very grateful for her guidance and would highly recommend her to anyone navigating the MBA admissions process.
Susan was the perfect match for me from the very beginning of my MBA application process. She’s genuinely kind, easy to talk to, and honest. she cares enough to tell you the truth, not just what you want to hear. She’s also a consummate professional : no detail, large or small, gets past her, and she really helped me structure my essays and get the best version of myself onto the page. She cares about your process from start to finish. I couldn’t have done this without her, and I’d recommend her to anyone navigating the MBA journey.
Working with Susan ended up being one of the best decisions I made during my MBA application process. I wouldn’t have gotten into Stanford without her!
She was far more than an essay editor or admissions advisor. She took the time to understand what I was trying to say, then pushed me to express it with more clarity, depth, and precision than I thought I could. Her standard for excellence was incredibly high, and that made me raise my own bar throughout the process.
Her guidance was especially meaningful on my Stanford “What Matters Most” essay. The final version became one of the pieces of writing I am proudest of. It felt honest, personal, and deeply reflective of who I am and who I want to become. The conversations and reflection that went into that essay were so impactful that they genuinely reshaped how I thought about my MBA goals and priorities.
Beyond the writing itself, Susan was also a real source of motivation and perspective. When interview invitations came in, she helped me stay grounded while also reminding me to appreciate how far I had come. What made the experience stand out is that it never felt transactional. Susan brought genuine care, responsiveness, and thoughtfulness to the process. She was fast with feedback, direct when needed, and deeply invested in helping me put forward the strongest and most authentic version of my story.
I would strongly recommend Susan to anyone looking for an MBA consultant who combines sharp judgment, strategic admissions insight, and real mentorship. She made me a better applicant, but more importantly, she helped me better understand and articulate my own story.
After applying twice to MBA programs, I can say with confidence that working with Susan the second time around made all the difference — and is likely the reason I got in. My first application cycle was a struggle. The second, with Susan’s guidance, was exceptional. She has a rare ability to help you uncover and articulate your story in a way that feels authentic while being strategically tailored to each school. She didn’t just help me write essays — she helped me understand what each program was looking for and how my background genuinely fit their vision. Beyond the storytelling, her support extended to interview prep, networking strategy, and making sure I was getting in front of the right people. But what truly set Susan apart was her attention to detail and her commitment to the process. She was available, she was thorough, and she went through every single part of my application with me — nothing was an afterthought. Most importantly, she took the time to really understand me: my goals, my background, and what I wanted out of this next chapter. She was genuinely excited to help me get there. Even knowing she works with many students, I never once felt like just another applicant. I felt like her only priority. If you’re serious about your MBA applications, work with Susan.
Susan is the best MBA coach out there! Prior to even working with Susan, she provided me with incredible advice and support during my GMAT journey. Throughout the application process, she was invaluable to my application and the biggest reason I was accepted to three top business schools. Her ability to shape and revise my essay application questions based on my specific story was outstanding. Truthfully, I was hesitant to spend the money on an MBA coach because of the costliness, but I can say without hesitation that Susan was worth every penny and then some! She was the biggest reason I was accepted to my dream school and I can’t recommend her enough! If you are thinking about an MBA coach, Susan is your person!
Susan was critical throughout my ~2 year journey. A journey that has me headed to UPenn Wharton.
She was helpful in validating my goals, learning about the landscape, putting together my applications, and preparing for my interviews.
Susan cares so much about what she does and the people she works with. Her generosity, seriousness, responsiveness, and commitment to the people she guides is out of this world.
I consider myself lucky that we cross paths and I’m proud to have had her in my corner.
Susan McInerny surpassed my expectations in all ways and I recommend her without qualification. So as to not bury the lede – I only applied to Wharton’s executive MBA program, I was accepted, and I am certain that Susan’s prudent guidance meaningfully improved my chances.
I first considered pursuing an executive MBA in early 2025. In the course of my research, I came upon MBAmission. Recalling the many, many hours I invested in applying to law school—and now having a far busier schedule such that I wouldn’t have those hours—I was eager to lean on a professional’s guidance. Susan answered my questions, was not sales-y, and clearly explained the cost structure and what to expect if I decided to hire her.
Two months later, I hired Susan who, thereafter, consistently outpaced her own self-imposed deadlines in the process. With her guidance, I went from a general notion of wanting to attend business school for career advancement to a finely-honed personal story that would not only show the “best me” in my application but clarified my own aimed-for trajectory.
Being aware of my own idiosyncrasies, I appreciated how she calibrated to my personality and work style. What’s more, I dare say Susan became a friend throughout the process.
Looking back, hiring Susan will likely prove to be one of the best investments I’ve ever made.
I had an incredible experience working with Susan throughout the application process. From the very beginning, she was instrumental in helping me shape my story and present the strongest possible version of myself. Her insight and attention to detail made a huge difference in the quality of my applications.
She also made the interview process feel incredibly seamless, providing clear guidance and tailored feedback.
Beyond the applications themselves, she really showed up for me as a mentor. She knew when to push me to improve and when to offer support.
I’m truly grateful for Susan’s support and would highly recommend her to anyone navigating the MBA journey.
Working with Susan throughout my business school application process was truly invaluable and I would not have been able to do it without her! She provided thoughtful guidance on my essays, helping me refine my ideas while still making sure my voice came through clearly. Her edits and feedback made my applications significantly stronger and more compelling. She worked quickly and thoroughly and was extremely responsive, even during the busy time surrounding application deadlines.
Beyond the essays, Susan also provided excellent interview preparation materials and guidance that helped me feel confident and well prepared going into each interview. She took the time to answer my many questions throughout the process – whether about the schools themselves, the application process, or the GMAT.
Susan was a lifesaver as I navigated this complicated process and I am so grateful to have had her in my corner. I felt like she truly had my back and was my absolute go-to resource throughout the process. I highly recommend her to anyone applying to business school!
Susan was a truly exceptional partner throughout the MBA application process. It is without question that my acceptances to HBS, GSB and Wharton were in large part attributable to her guidance and expertise. She is thoughtful, knowledgeable and extremely well-versed in how to frame the most effective and impactful story in an application. Her approach is holistic and ensures that every single piece of your story hangs together in the best possible way.
I would also note that if you are coming from megafund private equity Susan is a no-brainer choice for a consultant. She has vast experience working with this applicant pool and knows what is required to reach the top programs.
Most importantly, Susan will not let you off the hook (in the best possible way). If you are applying to a top program, you cannot give 90% effort to any portion of the application. Susan provided the necessary guidance, advice and structure to ensure that every thing I submitted was to the best of my ability. And, she did it in a thoughtful and kind manner. For me, that is the mark of a true mentor, and ultimately a lifelong friend.
I unequivocally recommend Susan to anyone applying to an MBA program.
I cannot recommend Susan highly enough. She was an incredible partner throughout my entire MBA application process, and I truly don’t think I would have been admitted to my top choice school without her guidance and support.
Susan is patient, thoughtful, and an excellent listener. She has a rare ability to pull meaningful insights from small details and help craft them into a clear, compelling narrative. She was not only invaluable with my essays, but also helped me think critically about my future goals during a time when my career direction felt unclear.
She supported me through every part of the process — essays, interviews, video submissions, deferral updates, and scholarship negotiation — and was always extremely responsive and a pleasure to work with. What once felt like a confusing black box became a clear and manageable journey thanks to Susan. I am deeply grateful for her support and would strongly encourage anyone considering an MBA consultant to work with her.
From the very first second we met, I realized Susan would be more than a transactional aid during what turned out to be a tough year. The MBA process is personal, taxing, demanding, yet also exciting, explorative, energizing, an inspirational. Susan was there alongside her students every single step of the way through each one of those emotions. Although I was certain what I wanted out of a school, I was not as assured as to my school list nor my odds of getting into said schools, but Susan was confident and knowledgeable throughout it all, and she helped me get into each and every school. Whether it was frantic midnight emails or celebratory notes, she is there to help you throughout the process.
Susan truly made what felt like the impossible possible and kept me sane through it all. From connecting me to students and guiding me through the exam types to exhaustive interview prep, she did not miss a detail. I cannot thank her enough for her unwavering support, warmth, and guidance. Could not recommend more!
When I began my MBA journey, I spoke with several consultants. Most gave me the same verdict: as an Indian male engineer — one of the most overrepresented demographics — my odds at any M7 school were slim. Some flat-out discouraged me from even trying. Then I spoke with Susan.
Unlike the others, she saw potential. She told me I had a decent shot at some M7 programs — but more importantly, she was direct about exactly what I needed to improve in my profile. No sugarcoating, no vague advice. Just clear, actionable feedback. I spent the next year working on those areas, and that conversation alone convinced me she was the right consultant.
Working with Susan was seamless. She’s incredibly structured — responses within a day or two, every doubt clarified, every question addressed. But what I valued most was her reassurance during the moments I wanted to give up. The MBA process is mentally exhausting, and having someone who genuinely believed in my story kept me going.
The result? I applied to three M7 schools through Susan and was admitted to two — including Wharton, my dream school. I’ve since recommended Susan to my brothers going through the application process and to friends who’ve asked how I made it into an M7 as an overrepresented candidate. My answer is always the same: find a consultant who sees your potential and knows how to bring it out. For me, that was Susan.
If you’re from an overrepresented background and wondering if it’s even possible — it is. With the right guidance.
I worked with Susan through her full school package and applied to six Round 1 MBA programs. I was accepted to several top programs, including an M7 school—and I can say with total confidence that none of this would have happened without her.
Susan’s support went far beyond essays. She helped me navigate major career decisions, handle a challenging situation with a new boss, and shape a clear, authentic story and set of career goals I’m genuinely proud of. She has an incredible instinct for knowing exactly what you need in the moment—whether that’s tough love, encouragement, or perspective.
What truly sets Susan apart is that she made this entire process not just manageable, but genuinely enjoyable. I looked forward to every call with her. This was the best investment I’ve ever made, and I know Susan will remain a mentor and friend for years to come.
I loved working with Susan and truly would not have gotten into my dream school without her. As an international applicant with a consulting background and below average test scores, I knew I needed to find other ways to stand out. Susan helped me do exactly that – guiding me through thoughtful brainstorming, sharpening my essays, and even connecting me with a GRE tutor to boost my score.
What stood out most was her positivity and calmness – she was always quick to respond and made time for me whenever I needed guidance. Susan made the entire journey feel less stressful and overwhelming. Even though I purchased the two-school package, she went the extra mile to make sure my other applications were on track.
Thanks to her guidance, I was ultimately accepted into my dream M7 school. Susan is a true mentor and partner throughout the application process. Highly recommend!
From our first conversation, she made the entire process feel manageable and enjoyable. Her patience and organizational skills are exceptional! She kept me on track with clear timelines and structured feedback that never felt overwhelming.
I really liked Susan’s professionalism and expertise. She helped me craft a compelling narrative that authentically represented who I am while highlighting what MIT Sloan was looking for. Her insights into the school’s culture and values were invaluable.
Thanks to Susan’s guidance, I’m now heading to my dream school, MIT Sloan! I couldn’t have done it without her strategic approach and support. If you’re serious about getting into a top MBA program, Susan is the consultant you need.
When I was deciding whether to pursue an MBA, I reached out to a few people for advice on the process, and an ex-colleague of mine recommended Susan. At the time, I didn’t fully realize how important a consultant could be, but looking back on my application journey, I can wholeheartedly say that I wouldn’t have made it into my top-choice program without Susan.
Working with Susan was genuinely enjoyable. We went through my entire life story, and she was able to identify standout experiences that I might have otherwise overlooked. Every time we caught up, it felt more like chatting with a friend than working through an application.
My GMAT scores weren’t the strongest, and after discussing my concerns with Susan, she suggested trying a different test—which ended up giving me a much better result.
Susan also provided thoughtful, constructive feedback on the programs I was considering. With her extensive professional experience, she helped me clearly position my short-term goals in a way that aligned with my long-term aspirations.
I was accepted into most of the programs I applied to, and although I was initially waitlisted at my top choice, Susan helped me develop a strategy to strengthen my application—and I was fortunate to be accepted off the waitlist in the end.
I can’t thank Susan enough for making this possible. I’d strongly recommend her if you’re looking for someone who’s more than just consultant —she’s a partner, a mentor, and a friend.
From start to finish (and beyond) of the application process, Susan was exactly who I was looking for to help me with the process. She helped to draft a plan that fit with my schedule, provided feedback to improve my application regularly and quickly, and proactively reached out when she had any ideas that may not have been in our original scope but may have been interested. She also did not hesitate to (constructively) provide criticism that helped me improve my application as a whole. I will admit that my process experienced some set backs, but Susan was quick to pivot and realign priorities so that I would be able to gain the most from our partnership and my application experience. Ultimately, I am attending a program that awarded me an 80% scholarship which translates to ~11x ROI (scholarship $$$ / 3 school package cost). I could not have succeed like I have without Susan’s help, and I look forward to connecting with Susan in the future!
Working with Susan was one of the best decisions I made in my MBA application journey. I came in with a traditional background in investment banking and private equity, and an okay GPA, so I knew I had to find a way to stand out. From the beginning, she was polite but firm. She consistently pushed me to dig deeper into my experiences and background and think critically about how to frame my story in a compelling and differentiated way.
She helped me uncover stories from my personal and professional life that I hadn’t even considered including. These stories ultimately made my application to HBS not just strong but authentic. When it came to writing and refining my materials, her communication was incredibly prompt and professional. I’m very detail oriented (borderline obsessive) and she matched that at every step.
She challenged me to get clear on my goals, go deeper in my research, and connect everything together. She helped me tie my family history and past experiences to my future ambitions in a way that felt thoughtful and strategic. I truly believe that her guidance played a huge role in helping me get into my dream school.
I would wholeheartedly recommend her to anyone looking to apply to highly competitive MBA programs. She is a great fit for someone who wants a partner who will hold them to a high standard and help them uncover the best version of their story.
A great MBA admissions consultant is a subject matter expert, intellectually rigorous thought partner, and emotionally attuned cheerleader. Susan is all of these things and more. She’s whip smart, an expert in her field, generous with her time, and just fun to work with. I got in to every school I applied to, including Harvard, Stanford, and Wharton — a homerun outcome for which Susan deserves a great deal of credit. I’m so glad to have worked with her and be able to now call her a friend. I highly recommend her.
Working with Susan was hands down one of the best decisions I made during the MBA application process. She wasn’t just an advisor—she was a true mentor, confidante, and champion from day one. Susan brought a unique blend of warmth, candor, and strategic insight that made me feel fully supported at every step, and her guidance played a pivotal role in helping me gain admission to Columbia Business School. Her ability to help you uncover your authentic story and frame it in a way that resonates with top programs is unmatched. With her incredible career experience across sectors and her genuine investment in your success, Susan brings a perspective and level of care that’s incredibly rare. Even after hitting “submit,” she remained a steady source of encouragement and advice, showing just how much she cares about her clients beyond the application. If you have the chance to work with Susan—take it. You’ll walk away with not only a stronger application, but a lifelong mentor and friend.
I cannot recommend Susan enough—if you’re looking for an MBA consultant, she’s truly the best! After several free consultations with other consultants (one during which the consultant made me cry), I immediately connected with Susan during our first conversation and knew she was “the one.” I came in unsure of how to tell my story, and within 10 minutes, she helped me craft a compelling narrative about why I was pursuing my MBA.
Throughout the entire process, it was clear that Susan genuinely cared—not just about me, but about each of her students. She took the time to deeply understand my background and goals, and the level of thoughtfulness and care she brought to every draft, phone call, and email was beyond anything I expected. Sometimes I honestly wondered how she balanced so many students with the level of personal attention she gave me.
Despite my lower GMAT score and thanks to Susan’s incredible guidance, I was accepted into a few top-tier programs and will be heading to UChicago Booth this fall! I feel incredibly fortunate to have worked with her and know that she will remain a lifelong friend and mentor.
I met Susan after experiencing a devastating rejection from HBS following an interview. This was my third attempt at top-tier schools, and needless to say, I was feeling defeated. However, Susan’s approach was a game-changer. She was incredibly patient, offering a fresh perspective on my story. She took the time to review all my past applications—something my previous counselor didn’t do—including those from 2019 deferred admission applications.
Susan went above and beyond to understand my long-term plans and truly pinpoint what I wanted the admissions teams to know about my journey. She helped me refine both my short- and long-term goals, crafting essays that resonated with the values of HSW. While I didn’t gain admission to HBS, I did secure interviews at GSB and Wharton, thanks to her guidance.
What stood out the most was how accessible and supportive Susan was. Whether it was through emails or late-night phone calls when I was overwhelmed, she was always there, providing calm, thoughtful advice. She even went the extra mile by advising me on what other schools were looking for in essays and interviews, even though she had no obligation to do so. Thanks to Susan’s expertise and unwavering support, I received offers from 9 colleges including CBS, Booth, and Kellogg, was waitlisted at 4, and had only one rejection.
When it came time to make my decision, Susan was again instrumental. She was candid and insightful, helping me evaluate the cultures of the campuses and guiding me toward the right fit. In fact, she knew which school I’d choose before I even realized it myself!
As for the waitlist process, I cannot emphasize enough how crucial Susan’s support was. After being waitlisted by MIT, Wharton, and GSB and facing the added challenge of losing my job, Susan provided invaluable support in helping me craft compelling updates to strengthen my applications. Her guidance during this difficult time was crucial.
In conclusion, I wholeheartedly recommend working with Susan. She genuinely cares about her clients, takes the time to understand them, and builds meaningful connections. I’m confident that even though my MBA application journey has ended, I’ll stay in touch with Susan for years to come. She truly is amazing, and I wouldn’t be where I am today without her.
Working with Susan was one of the best decisions I made during the application process. I truly believe I wouldn’t be where I am without her insight, guidance, and unwavering support.
From day one, Susan went above and beyond. She knows my target program inside and out, and guided me through every step with clarity and confidence—from early brainstorming to interviews and even after admission results were announced. She was always just a message away and consistently made herself available to review materials and emails, provide thoughtful feedback, or help me work through decisions. For someone unfamiliar with the process, that level of accessibility and reassurance made a world of difference.
What truly sets Susan apart is how deeply she invests in getting to know you. She doesn’t just focus on your resume or career milestones—she genuinely takes the time to understand who you are as a person. She asked thoughtful questions and really listened, which allowed us to craft an application that felt both authentic and compelling. That personal connection showed through in my materials, and I believe this is a true differentiator as it helped my story resonate with the admissions team on a deeper level.
Susan also supported my recommenders—both seasoned executives—with tailored guidance that they found incredibly helpful. They both told me how much they appreciated her insight in helping them understand what the school is truly looking for and how to best frame their recommendations, making the process more strategic and focused.
I feel incredibly fortunate to have had the opportunity to work with Susan. She’s thoughtful, respectful, and genuinely committed to your success. Most of all, she’s someone you can trust to walk with you through what can be a very personal and high-stakes journey. I can’t recommend her highly enough.
I cannot speak highly enough of Susan. With her support and expertise, I was accepted into all the schools I applied to! Her wisdom, mentorship, and guidance made the application process so smooth and enjoyable.
I decided to work with her after meeting with a multitude of admission consultants. She was the only one who gave me tangible and impactful advice during my complimentary consultation. Also, I could tell she genuinely cared about my overall success. Not only did Susan show her deep knowledge of navigating the MBA process, but she also was the kindest and nicest consultant I met.
I am beyond thankful for the opportunity to work with Susan! She helped me craft a meaningful and real story when writing essays. Susan gave me valuable advice when reviewing various aspects of my application portfolio. With her feedback, I was able to confidently submit my applications. She made the entire process stress free and fun! I truly feel blessed!
I definitely recommend Susan to anyone looking for an MBA consultant! She will truly make your life better when applying!
I cannot recommend Susan enough! Throughout my MBA application journey, she was more than just a consultant—she became a lifelong friend and trusted advisor. With her guidance, I was accepted into five incredible MBA programs, even though my GMAT score was slightly below average.
What truly sets Susan apart is her ability to deeply understand your story and help you convey it authentically and powerfully to admissions committees. She worked tirelessly with me to hone in on my narrative, ensuring that my applications reflected not only my accomplishments but also my unique passions and values.
The process of applying to business school can be overwhelming, but Susan removed so much of that anxiety. Her personalized approach and constant encouragement made the process feel manageable and even enjoyable. From strategizing early on to reviewing countless drafts of essays, she provided thoughtful and actionable feedback every step of the way.
Susan goes above and beyond in every aspect of the application process. Whether it was brainstorming essay ideas, preparing for interviews, or just being a sounding board when I needed reassurance, she was always there.
Thanks to Susan’s expertise and unwavering support, I’m heading to a top MBA program and feel confident about the journey ahead. If you’re looking for someone who will invest in you and truly elevate your MBA applications, look no further!
Working with Susan has been nothing short of life changing —and I mean that wholeheartedly. After two years of feeling lost in the MBA application process as an international EU student unfamiliar with its complexities, Susan illuminated the path-my path. She empowered me to believe in myself, own my narrative, and boldly tell my story.
With patience, candor, and an unwavering sense of purpose, she coached me into someone who stands taller, speaks with clarity, and believes in herself. From the initial brainstorming to the countless essay drafts and eventually, interview preparation, she provided unwavering support every step of the way. Thanks to her guidance, I was accepted into four top MBA programs—two with scholarships. Beyond admissions success, Susan has strengthened my sense of self-worth, deepened my sense of purpose, and sharpened my ability to drive meaningful change.
If you’re seeking an exceptionally smart, knowledgeable, and purpose-driven coach to guide you through the MBA journey, I cannot recommend her highly enough.
Susan was a pleasure to work with. She was candid about my candidacy at The University of Michigan Ross School of Business, and she helped me develop a great plan to eventually get accepted. As someone who made the decision later in life to pursue an MBA, I was a bit out of touch with what admissions counselors looked for in an applicant. Susan was really great at detailing the most effective way to develop my application narrative based on my education and professional history, and worked overtime to make sure I told that story in the best way possible. I was extremely happy with her service and would recommend her to anyone that wants to ensure they put their best foot forward.
Susan was an incredible partner throughout my MBA application journey. I started with a three-school package and later added a fourth school to my list. As an overrepresented finance applicant, I greatly benefited from Susan’s deep expertise and thoughtful guidance. She supported me at every step—from brainstorming essay ideas to perfecting my applications, preparing for interviews, and ultimately deciding which offer to accept. Her ability to highlight my unique experiences and present my story in a compelling way made all the difference. Susan’s dedication and responsiveness were remarkable, and I’m incredibly grateful for her help. Highly recommend!
Susan is the best – I had a complicated story that needed to be told with nuance, and she helped me craft a really compelling narrative for my admissions essays in just a few weeks. She was also incredibly emotionally supportive as I was dealing with some stressful circumstances in the background during my applications. She genuinely cares about her clients, and even after I got my acceptances, she was eager to help me think through the pros / cons of each program.
I worked with Susan on my MBA applications and could not be more grateful for all her help throughout the process!
Susan consistently went above and beyond in providing thought-provoking reviews of my application materials, meaningful feedback, and practice in interview prep. Even more, she was always a friendly and supportive mentor that I could rely on throughout the process when faced with personal dilemmas and family crises. Susan’s support helped me to fully understand exactly why each program was a fit for me so that it became easy to convey a genuine and compelling message. Even after being accepted with generous support from schools, Susan continued to go above and beyond of her own accord in connecting me with students who had similar experiences deciding between these programs.
For anyone considering whether an MBA admissions consultant is the right choice for you, I would highly recommend Susan!
Susan had all the institutional knowledge one would need for the MBA process but paired it with a relaxed and calm demeanor. She was always extremely quick to get back to me with any and all questions I had and was instrumental in helping me craft my story for the various essays.
I could not recommend her enough.
I’ve had the privilege of working with Susan on multiple occasions and across several professional milestones, starting with my admissions process for Wharton, where I am currently an MBA student. From the very beginning, she demonstrated an exceptional ability to understand my individual strengths, clarify my goals, and pinpoint precisely what admissions committees look for. The insights and support she provided were truly invaluable, ensuring that my application was both authentic and compelling.
But Susan’s impact went far beyond that initial admissions guidance. Even after I secured my place at Wharton, I turned to her again for overall career advice and later, for support in applying to a competitive venture capital fellowship in health tech. In each instance, she not only offered strategic guidance but also helped me refine my personal narrative, articulate my value proposition, and navigate the often complex world of professional development.
What stands out most is that my relationship with Susan never felt limited to a single project. We’ve stayed in touch long after my applications were submitted and deadlines passed, and I continue to benefit from her perspective and mentorship. This long-term connection has become a valuable resource—she’s someone who really understands my evolving career path and can offer thoughtful guidance at every new juncture.
Working with Susan has been an investment in my future. She’s proven herself to be not only an extraordinary admissions advisor, but also a trusted mentor and champion, genuinely invested in my success. I’m immensely grateful for her support and can confidently recommend her to anyone seeking guidance through high-stakes admissions, career transitions, or new professional opportunities.
After doing several free consultation interviews, I chose to work with Susan who is extremely knowledgeable. She was amazing to meet, had the best insights and went above and beyond to understand my unique situation and provide advice that was best tailored to help me achieve my goals.
I am an international applicant from Asia and I find Susan a great pleasure to work with. She is very thought provoking to enable me to think outside of the box. Her friendliness and emotional support made the entire process not only effective but also enjoyable. From our very first meeting, she encouraged me to think deeply about my goals and how best to present them in my application, which significantly strengthened my overall narrative.
One of Susan’s standout qualities is her dedication. She went to great lengths to help me meet my application deadlines, even when it required late-night sessions or quick turnaround times on drafts. Her commitment ensured that I never felt overwhelmed or rushed, but rather confident and prepared every step of the way.
Susan’s interview preparation was particularly exceptional. She provided a comprehensive list of questions tailored to my specific applications and career goals, along with robust preparation tactics that left me feeling ready for anything the interviewers might throw my way. Her insights and feedback were instrumental in helping me refine my responses and present myself authentically and compellingly.
Susan successfully helped me to get into my dream school in US. I strongly recommend her services to international applicants like me.
I was initially hesitant about using a consultant for the application process, but meeting Susan changed everything. Her exceptional work and invaluable insights were instrumental in securing my place at my top-choice program – HBS! Susan exceeded all my expectations, providing unwavering support and motivation through what can only be described as an emotional rollercoaster. She was always ready to address any doubts and highly responsive to my needs. Her deep knowledge and guidance significantly reduced my stress and the time spent worrying about the “what ifs.” I recommend Susan without any hesitation! If I had to go through this process again, I would undoubtedly choose to work with her once more.
From beginning to end, Susan did an amazing job. There were a few schools I thought about targeting but I wasn’t sure which direction to go. She did a great job helping me narrow them down and then how to go about targeting them. She really helped me tell my story and I can say with confidence I do not believe my essays could have been any better thanks to her assistance and guidance. Even when I had questions towards the end of the application, she was always quick to respond and thorough with her answers. I was honestly skeptical in regard to hiring an MBA consultant when I first started, now I would tell everyone to do it and would recommend Susan McInerny first and foremost. I was accepted to my target school and without her help I am not sure I would have. I highly recommend her services!!
Susan was incredible and I would recommend her 100 times over to anyone who is interested in pursuing a competitive MBA program. She was incredibly attentive, supportive, and encouraging throughout the application process, while also providing candid and realistic feedback during our conversations and brainstorm sessions. Susan is incredibly responsive, and I felt that we built a strong relationship throughout this process. I feel like she took the time to truly learn and understand my story, and helped me translate this into a competitive application (including essays and short answers). Additionally, Susan’s expertise helped me tailor my applications appropriately, and supported me as I was looking to boost my candidacy outside of the application itself (i.e. advice on letters of support, networking, events to attend, etc.). I will be attending Columbia Business School on a full-ride scholarship (along with multiple fellowships), and could not have done this without her. I have personally recommended her to multiple friends of mine, and appreciate her openness to continuing a relationship moving forward.
Susan was the best partner I could’ve asked for to help me navigate the entire application process! We connected fairly late in the process, when I was experiencing significant anxiety and doubting whether I would be able to prepare thoughtful, quality applications in time. Despite challenging circumstances and condensed timeframes, Susan was consistently positive, warm, engaged, and supportive throughout the entire process and gave me tremendous confidence.
She really took pride in understanding who I am, how my experiences molded me into the person I am today, and what matters most to me, and used that to craft an incredibly compelling narrative that helped get me into HBS!
I could not recommend her highly enough – not just for her contributions to my application and sage advice, but also for how supportive and fun she was during the entire process!! I will miss working with her!
Susan has been instrumental in my MBA journey and helped me land admissions into top schools. Initially, the admissions process felt daunting, but Susan was always there to provide words of wisdom and calm my nerves. She helped connect the dots across my experiences and personal interests to draft a compelling narrative. Her initial brainstorming sessions were incredibly helpful as she sought to get to know me on a deeper level. She truly is a gifted storyteller! Susan was super flexible when I fluctuated between schools and ensured I had all the materials provided for a strong application. Despite some of my last-minute edits, she was very responsive. I loved my interview prep with Susan as I felt that it was extremely thorough, and a lot of the questions were also asked during my actual interview.
Susan was a great consultant. I did the 30min free session with her at the start which helped me understand how many and which universities I should target. After purchasing the hourly sessions, Susan shared a lot of valuable resources she had prepared to help with the essay writing process. She was very efficient with her time, and I got through the majority of essays I needed to with the hours I purchased. In addition, she had a quick response time, enabling me to meet all my deadlines. Her experience shows, and helped my craft a unique story to stand out as a candidate. In addition, she provided great resources so I could prep for the interviews and was easily reachable by mail. In the end, I got accepted into my target school with an entrance award!
I HIGHLY recommend working with Susan (and have referred her to several of my friends who are applying), as she was a tremendous help to me during the applications (got into HBS and GSB).
Susan was an incredible resource during the application process, from helping me formulate my application strategy, to helping me tell my story in a crisp, concise way, to preparing me for the interviews. She provided valuable input and feedback every step of the way, and is incredibly knowledgeable about the application process and the specifics of the MBA programs I applied to.
I could tell that she is very invested in my success, and made sure that I was feeling comfortable and confident throughout the process. She is also very responsive to email questions, feedback, etc. I could not have asked for anything more from an MBA Consultant.
It’s hard to overstate what a thoughtful, sharp, responsive, creative, brilliant and kind partner Susan was to me during the MBA admission process. As a non-traditional applicant (practicing physician), Susan was able to quickly identify the most important and impactful aspects of my past and help me weave them into an airtight application. In fact, I refined my own goals through the process of working with her.A Additionally, through helping me put the pieces of my journey together, she helped me feel more empowered about my own story, reminded me of the value of coaching, and helped me to become a better story-teller. As an older applicant, her positivity and encouragement were also instrumental for me. Another highlight was the precise, accurate interview preparation she put me through. With her help, I applied to only one MBA program for Executives, and happy to say I’ll be at Wharton! I feel very fortunate to have been put in touch with Susan.
I worked with Susan throughout the application process secure an acceptance from UVA Darden. I did multiple initial free consultations with different MBA consultants, but Susan immediately stood out as superior. I had concerns regarding work experience, standardized test scores, and narrowing top choices, but Susan quickly identified my strengths and most compelling stories to enhance my candidacy.
While other MBA consultants highlighted deficiencies in my application, Susan recognized opportunities to distinguish myself and guided me in crafting an application tailored to the specific school. Susan was flexible, professional, honest, and had excellent insight into the unique components of each program. 10/10 I would recommend!!!
I have only the most positive things to say about Susan.
When I started my MBA journey, I was skeptical about working with a consultant (purely from a cost perspective), but I had an initial call with Susan and immediately realized how much value she would add. Throughout the process she was brilliant to work with: very clear, always knew the right questions to ask, and really helped refine my essay topics. The other highlight was the interview prep: this made such a difference to my confidence going into the interviews.
Whilst I’d been thinking about my professional goals for a long while, I basically started my actual application process in mid-August. So this meant I had about a month to do everything, including writing the essays, prep my resume, do all the smaller application questions, and study for and sit the exam twice… The point being: Susan’s advice and expertise helped me enormously in a short time frame!
I’m delighted that I got into every school I applied to: Harvard, Stanford, and Wharton. I’m so excited and grateful. I really doubt I’d be in this position if I hadn’t worked with a consultant as strong as Susan.
I would recommend her in the strongest possible terms and without hesitation to anybody. My younger sibling wants to apply for MBAs in the next couple of years and Susan would be my first call. Thanks so much Susan!
I worked with Susan McInerny at mbaMission as an hourly client while preparing my application to the HBS Class of 2026. I’m incredibly excited to say that I was accepted to HBS and that I couldn’t be stronger in my endorsement of Susan!! She helped me transform my application from good to GREAT. As an HBS alum herself, Susan gave me amazing insight into how to best tell my story in a clear and compelling way. She offered invaluable guidance every step of the way from my resume to essays to interview prep. Not only did she help me strengthen my application, but she also instilled in me a confidence about my background, my story, and what I have to offer at these elite programs. Susan was sharp, professional, responsive, and friendly – I truly felt that she had my best interest at heart which shined through in her guidance and support. I can’t imagine a better MBA admissions consultant! I STRONGLY recommend Susan and mbaMission.
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