FAQs
You ask, I answer!
What are your specialties?
I specialize in guiding two distinct, yet equally important candidate profiles through the complex and competitive MBA admissions process:
Non-traditional, non-business candidates who bring a rich diversity of experiences to the MBA cohort and need assistance with crafting a compelling brand and storyline that resonates with top business programs.
Traditional candidates from business backgrounds who seek to distinguish themselves amid a sea of similarly qualified candidates and need assistance with determining what helps them stand out and which stories to share as part of their applications.
I focus on the M7, the top 20 programs in the U.S., and the top 10 international MBA programs, and I’ve guided candidates into top Full-time, Part-time, Executive, Online, Deferred Admissions programs, and more. Each client has his or her unique story to tell, and it’s my job to help shine the best light on his or her candidacy.
Can we schedule an intro call?
Yes! Contact me to schedule an intro call to determine if we’re a good fit. Please read the remainder of the FAQs on this page so that our conversation is effectively targeted toward your specific situation and goals.
Why work with a consultant?
It is estimated that 70% of applicants across the most competitive MBA programs work with a consultant because the MBA admissions process is highly competitive, especially among the very top programs. Seasoned consultants can help candidates gain an edge, so choose wisely.
A *great* consultant acts as a coach and sounding board – before, throughout, and after the application process is complete – by answering the smallest of questions to advising you on the larger, more strategic decisions – and everything in between. It’s kind of a strange service to hire for – I hear that from clients all the time! A consultant can be an invaluable member of your support team as you navigate the admissions process. Don’t just take my word for it, though – read what my clients have to say.
Can’t [any friend or relative] review my essays?
This is not just another resume or essay editing service. Yes, your friends, parents, relatives, and / or colleagues can certainly read your essays, and they’re often great sources for input on verbiage and to provide a gut check on whether your materials ring true to who you are. However, these individuals don’t often have MBA admissions experience, nor are they in familiar with the nuances of every top MBA program and their admissions processes. Clients hire me because they’re looking for:
Expertise on MBA admissions – A partner who has experience creating and evaluating applications, interviewing candidates, and knowledge across the top programs
Accountability and objectivity – Someone who will challenge them to position their candidacies as effectively as possible for MBA admissions committees
Accreditation and a commitment to the craft – A professional who is an accepted and accredited member of AIGAC who stays current on admissions trends and has relationships with admissions officers at top MBA programs
A track record of results – The best possible outcomes with their MBA application processes.
What are my chances for [Program X]?
Nobody knows! Check the class profile from the prior season for each of your target programs, and see how your test scores, GPA, and professional experience align. Keep in mind that these are simply benchmarks from a prior year, and there are many other factors that admissions committees take into consideration when evaluating your candidacy for MBA programs. I’ve helped numerous candidates with low test scores and sub-par GPAs gain admission to top programs. Conversely, as part of the Ross School of Business admissions committee, I saw many highly-qualified candidates (with great GPAs and stellar test scores) execute poorly on other aspects of the application and fail to gain admission.
What results can you guarantee?
As an admissions consultant, my job is help you put your best foot forward in the MBA admissions process. My goal is to ensure that your application materials provide an accurate representation of your personal and professional achievements and potential for success within an MBA program and beyond. These are the aspects we can control within the application itself; however, we cannot predict specific outcomes of an admissions process for any program in any given year.
What is your success rate?
My success rate (% of clients who apply who are admitted) is different from year to year, and is highly correlated to each client’s goals. Therefore, an overall success rate doesn’t have much meaning for each individual’s situation. If a client is dead-set on attending business school in the following cycle, we create a strategy that meets the appropriate risk profile (with reach, competitive, and safety options). If a client only wants to attend a certain program or type of programs, we acknowledge the risk and proceed accordingly.
What will our engagement look like?
Each engagement is tailored toward the individual needs of each of my clients. Some prefer to collaborate on an hourly basis, where time, tasks, and budget are closely monitored. Other clients prefer an “full package” approach, where we collaborate on applications for a set number of programs and develop all aspects in coordination – from end to end – with no time limits. Please contact me to discuss your needs and check out my pricing page.
How many clients do you work with per season or round?
It depends on the season and year. My goal is not to maximize the number of clients I work with but, rather, to deliver the highest level of service possible. I do not work with clients who aren’t a good fit, personality-wise or goals-wise. I understand there are other providers in the MBA admissions consulting market, and if we aren’t a fit, I’m happy to refer you to other options.