Best MBA Admissions Consulting Service?

I had the pleasure of working with Donna Bauman from Stratus. I selected her as a consultant because of her extensive expertise as an admissions professional. The admissions perspective was key in helping me narrow exactly how I wanted to tell my story and what areas of my professional experience to focus on.

Donna was patient with my last-minute changes and was a constant presence throughout the process. Stratus matches applicants with an additional layer of review with school-specific consultants (typically alumni) to help applicants perfect their essays and prepare for interviews.

I am overall very happy with Stratus and the results they helped me achieve. I was admitted to an M7 Business School with mean-level numbers. It's a bit on the pricey side but the constant, calm presence and expertise of several consultants throughout the process is really worth it. Strongly recommend.

Stratus Admissions was exactly what I was looking for in a MBA admissions consultant. I originally signed up for the two school package with Donna Bauman and could not have been happier with my selection.

Overall, everyone from the senior strategists to the sales team makes you feel as if you are their only client. My admissions consultant, Donna, was wonderful throughout the R1 and R2 admissions process. She really pushed me to dig deep and encouraged me to slow down, reflect, and put my best application forward. During the application process, Donna was there for my every question and always available to bounce ideas off of, even on the weekends! The thoughtfulness of Donna's feedback and advice throughout my business school application process really made me feel as if I were her only client.

Additionally, what I really found unique and beneficial about Stratus was the team-based approach whereby a senior strategist and school-specific reviewer were available to share their expertise, rather than just be isolated to a single consultant.

This fall, I was fortunate enough to be accepted into a M7 MBA program. I highly recommend Stratus Admissions if you are considering applying to a MBA program. Although costly, the benefits gained from having someone to continually motivate and push you to put your best work product forward throughout the grueling admissions process are priceless.

I had a rudimentary idea of what I wanted to write about, but working with my Stratus Prep Counselor elevated my essays to a higher level and helped me craft a unique story that wove together my passions, experiences and goals. Beyond the technical aspects, my Counselor helped me maintain sanity through the stressful MBA admissions process and gave me invaluable advice and inspiration when I needed it most. Ultimately, I was invited to interview at 7 of 8 schools and was accepted into my preferred program. I firmly believe that Stratus Prep strengthened my candidacy tremendously.

I would strongly recommend my consultant Paul Bodine who helped me with my MBA application.

I could hardly believe it when I received the admit phone call from Stanford GSB. So excited!!! I contacted Paul in November because I had read and really liked his book. I used both his "all-in" and hourly service for my round 2 MBA application. I was admitted to Stanford GSB and Chicago Booth (with $40k scholarship), and got waitlisted at HBS. Paul provided tremendous help in almost all aspects of my application - from school selection, essay editing to the data section review and the mock interview. His deep expertise and insights was crucial to the success.

I hope this review is helpful to anyone applying to business school and wants to make the best possible decision to be successful: hire Bill at Stacy Blackman Consulting. It's that simple.

I was actually working with another consulting company and felt out of control. I had hired them several months in advance with the thought that I would slowly work on my three applications, no rush, no panic. But I was not making progress and felt like I just was not getting the type of direction I needed, I was not sure of my essay topics or even that sure of my schools. Everything felt half baked. When a friend mentioned that she was working with SBC and was very happy I decided what the hell, hire them for a few hours and see what they could do. I started working with Bill and he literally rescued me from the flames. The difference was so obvious - he added clarity to my application, guided me in picking out schools and coming up with topics to use in my essays. We had a great conversation where I hung up knowing what to do. I had focus and direction instead of utter confusion and chaos. So one step at a time, we worked together and created great apps. By then I was down to 5 weeks until deadline and in a panic. But Bill was calm and cool and responsive. Every time we spoke or emailed I made progress and things moved in the right direction, at a good pace.

In five weeks we exchanged hundreds of emails and went through 30+ essay drafts - cant really believe it.

The approach we took was completely different from what I was doing before. There was a strategy behind the whole story and it really reflected me. In the end I pulled off a hat trick with acceptances to three schools! As Bill knows, he has my eternal gratitude.

Thanks to Paul my wife and I got admitted to our dream school – Tuck School of Business – with scholarships.
While some consultants refuse to work with couples, because of the daunting odds they face at top 10 schools, Paul enthusiastically agreed to help us. Right from the free introductory call, we felt comfortable working with Paul: he is very insightful, professional and his feedback was always on point.
Paul answered every question we had and provided valuable support throughout the application process. Most importantly, he helped each one of us mine our lives for interesting stories and pivotal events, helped us create a successful application strategy and guided us through its execution.
If you want to stand out among thousands of incredibly talented applicants from all over the world and increase your chances of getting into a top business school, you should reach out to Paul right away!
We also benefited a lot from reading Paul’s book “Great Applications for Business School”. This book contains detailed guidance to every step of the application process and is a must-read for any MBA applicant.
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I would like to provide a review for Paul Bodine (www.admitify.com), who helped my wife and me get into Tuck School of Business together, with scholarships.
While some consultants refuse to work with couples, because of the daunting odds they face at top 10 schools, Paul enthusiastically agreed to help us.
Right from the free introductory call, we felt comfortable working with Paul: he is very insightful, professional and his feedback was always on point. Paul answered every question we had and provided valuable support throughout the application process. Most importantly, he helped each one of us mine our lives for interesting stories and pivotal events, helped us create a successful application strategy and guided us through its execution. If you want to stand out among thousands of incredibly talented applicants from all over the world and increase your chances of getting into a top business school, you should reach out to Paul right away! We also benefited a lot from reading Paul’s book “Great Applications for Business School”. This book contains detailed guidance to every step of the application process and is a must-read for any MBA applicant.

I STRONGLY recommend Poonam Tandon at myEssayReview
https://myessayreview.com

I first signed up only for Poonam’s resume review, but after working with her on my resume, I knew I could trust her with working on my three essays. I liked how I could choose individual services, and the pricing was very reasonable and the plans were flexible. I read all the others’ testimonials and their experiences working with Poonam, and I got a good feeling that I could make a convincing essay that told my story well. With a low GMAT score, I knew I had to give my application an edge.

Poonam greatly cared about me as a person and an applicant, and was able to extract the points that were effective in my essays. At times when my content was insufficient, she pushed me to think harder in my past and get the material out on text. It was precisely this kind of help that made my essays have a differentiating factor and a coherent story. Not only did her advice make the writing better, it also crystalized what I wanted to convey in the first place.

In addition to understanding me and my strengths, Poonam nicely picked up points in my story that I didn't think were so significant. She arranged them and crafted them elegantly without losing my original intent. I was truly satisfied with the final essays.

Although the deadlines for the schools that I was applying to were approaching fast, Poonam’s response time was SUPER fast and never late - I don’t know how she does it, but it was truly magical and assuring to have feedback on time when I was racing against the clock.

My overall experience of working with Poonam was GOLD STAR EXCELLENT. After her consultation and essay reviews, I got accepted from Aalto University with 100% full tuition scholarship, Illinois Institute of Technology with $45K scholarship, and also Central St. Martins. I chose to attend Aalto
University. I would definitely recommend her services to anybody who needs and wants a consultant who puts in the time and care into your applications.

Dream School Admit (https://dreamschooladmit.com/)
It was my third GMAT attempt and I got the score of 650. I wasn’t very confident of applying, but wanted to go ahead and apply as I knew I won’t be able to attempt GMAT once again. I knew I needed help and advice and I started searching for consultants. I came across many consultant companies on GMAT club. I read testimonials and started writing mails to them. I spoke to the representatives/owners of around 7 companies. Some of them were charging exorbitant fees and some were not willing to listen properly to my needs.
I wasn’t convinced and my further search landed me on Quora. I got to read some interesting testimonials on Quora about Arvind of DreamSchoolAdmit (https://dreamschooladmit.com/) and I thought of giving it a try. I contacted Arvind and the best thing about Arvind is that he first listened to my MBA needs. Before jumping into the prices and package, Arvind helped me craft the story. After we finalized the story, I decided to engage with him for the application and interview process.
Ranging from reviewing and editing my essays, resume, and even the guidance on video essays, every advice of his helped me not only in putting out the best possible version but also a great learning for me as I was getting to know more about myself in the process. Arvind reviewed my Resume 8 times to bring out the best Resume for Adcoms. Arvind had worked closely with Adcoms and so, he knew exactly what kind of questions can be asked. Once invited for interview, you can’t afford to do a blunder in the interviews. Arvind made sure that I deliver best and after 4 mock interviews, I was able to answer any question confidently.
Having Arvind at my side throughout the application process was a confidence booster for me, as he didn’t let me think down even once. He believed in my talent more than I did myself. This is my first testimonial for anyone and I strongly recommend Arvind Arun of DreamSchoolAdmit (https://dreamschooladmit.com/) for the best possible help you can get in the nominal prices. I got an offer from Schulich and awaiting from 1 more college.

I can't thank Arvind from Dream School Admit enough for helping me out with my essays and interviews.
Having a low GMAT score was a major concern for me. I did try to get in touch with couple of consultants before I spoke to Arvind, but was unconvinced. But when I spoke to Arvind for the very first time, he very keenly listened to my story and conundrum. I knew it then and there that it was Arvind who could help me achieve the impossible. I could clearly remember the number of essay iterations we had before we concluded the final essays for each school. He also helped me with the interviews. Arvind knows his job extremely well! I eventually received admit from McMaster and am awaiting result from another University. I can vouch for Arvind as the guidance/expertise he helps one with is rarely found with any other consultants.
If you are looking for a consultant to help you out with your essays and interviews, Arvind is the man! I thank him for all the support he provided throughout

Here's the link: https://dreamschooladmit.com/

I have heard great things about MBA Mentor. It's started by a recently graduated LBS MBA student who connects you with current students/alumni of your targeted schools and those students help you with essay editing and mock interview. You could check out their website: mbamentor.org

Hope this helps!

In today's competitive job market, the decision to pursue higher education, particularly a Master of Business Administration (MBA), can be a pivotal point in one's career trajectory. With its promise of increased earning potential, broader career opportunities, and enhanced skill set, the MBA has become a cornerstone for many professionals aspiring to excel in the business world.

Let's delve into the concrete reasons why obtaining an MBA could be the game-changer you've been seeking:

Salary Surge:According to the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC), MBA graduates command substantially higher salaries compared to their counterparts with only a bachelor's degree. Recent GMAC surveys reveal that the median base salary for MBA graduates in the United States surpasses $115,000 annually, marking a significant contrast to the approximately $65,000 earned by bachelor's degree holders.
Expansive Career Avenues:Extensive research by the Financial Times (FT) underscores the vast array of career opportunities that open up for MBA graduates. The multifaceted nature of MBA programs, often complemented by networking events, internships, and robust career placement services, empowers graduates to secure coveted positions across diverse industries and roles globally.
Entrepreneurial Edge:While not every MBA alumnus embarks on an entrepreneurial journey, a substantial number do. Reports from Babson College on global entrepreneurship reveal that over a quarter of MBA alumni worldwide have ventured into entrepreneurship. The comprehensive skill set acquired during MBA studies equips graduates with the acumen and resilience required to navigate the challenges of launching and sustaining a successful business.
Global Vision:In an era of globalization, businesses operate within an increasingly interconnected landscape. MBA programs, with their emphasis on international business, cross-cultural communication, and global strategy, prepare graduates to thrive in diverse markets. Data from QS TopMBA suggests that a significant portion of MBA students gravitate towards programs with an international focus, reflecting the demand for global perspectives in today's business environment.
Leadership Cultivation:Leadership development lies at the heart of many MBA curricula. Through coursework and experiential learning opportunities, students hone their leadership, team management, and decision-making skills. Research by the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC) highlights that MBA graduates are more likely to ascend to leadership roles within organizations, underscoring the program's efficacy in nurturing future business leaders.
Job Security and Adaptability:Amidst economic uncertainties, individuals armed with advanced degrees like an MBA often enjoy greater job security and adaptability. Surveys conducted by prominent firms such as PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) and Deloitte emphasize the value placed by employers on the analytical prowess, critical thinking abilities, and adaptability of MBA graduates in navigating evolving market dynamics.

In conclusion, the decision to pursue an MBA is not merely an academic endeavor but a strategic investment in one's future. The compelling data and insights gleaned from reputable sources underscore the transformative potential of an MBA in propelling your career to new heights. Whether you seek to ascend the corporate ladder, chart your entrepreneurial course, or navigate the global business landscape, an MBA equips you with the tools, network, and mindset to thrive in today's dynamic business environment.



Need help to start your application journey?

The Admission Concierge is a boutique-sized MBA consulting service by former director of admissions. We specialize in top-ranked MBA programs (U.S. Canada and Europe). Unlike large consulting firms, our focus is on you – We offer truly personalized and tailored guidance that goes beyond the conventional, or cookie-cutter methods, ensuring your journey to admission is uniquely crafted for success. We understand the hard work and introspection that goes into crafting a compelling application for a highly competitive program, even for candidates with outstanding academic and professional backgrounds. Therefore, we are deeply invested in maximizing your potential through the entire process, from school selection to crafting a persuasive application highlighting your uniqueness to interview prep.

I posted this review on Poets & Quants but wanted to share here too. I worked with Paul Bodine (founder of Admitify) for Round 2 of this cycle and highly recommend him. Working with Paul was one of the best decisions I've made.

Prior to working with Paul, I tested out 3 other admissions consulting consultants (all were top 10 consultants in Poets & Quants each year and are household names in the game) and was told that my role at a Financial Services company (an extremely competitive bucket) and my ethnic background as an overrepresented minority would be a tough bucket to crack for M7. I was consistently told by other consultants to "aim lower".

But not Paul. After our first intro call, Paul was able to spot something unique in my profile and told me to aim high. With Paul's help, I submitted to HBS, Wharton, and Sloan in Round 2. Not only was I accepted to Sloan with a 120k merit scholarship, I received my dream acceptance - an HBS acceptance. Not too shabby for someone who was told by other admissions consultants that M7 would be tough to crack! And it was all due to Paul's help.

Paul has an innate ability to spot unique differentiators in his clients, and he gently probes and unravels parts of one's life experiences and backgrounds until all the pieces fall into place to create a memorable story that is both unique and genuine to the applicant. Paul truly cares about his clients, and having Paul's support helped to make an otherwise stressful process…even fun.

While some other consultants I've worked with made sessions feel transactional, as if it was purely a numbers game for them, Paul will give it his all to help his clients succeed. Not only did I walk away with acceptances to some of the best business schools in the world, I learned so much about myself through the thorough "gentle probing" process that Paul deploys, and walked away more clear of my goals than ever before.

To prospective applicants reading this, go with Paul. Coming from someone who tried out 3 other top admissions consultants and still ultimately went with Paul, I guarantee you won't regret it!

Thanks for sharing this information

Hi Guys,

There are plenty of good consulting firms in the USA and India. The Indian consultants charge a lot less than the US-based ones. I used the service of Accepted and got dinged in HBS, Stanford and other M7 schools in 2022. Their service charges were astronomical.

In 2023, I contacted three Indian-based companies - Gyonone, Pythagurus and MBAEssayConsultant. I had a discussion with all three consultants. Thereafter, I chose to work with Sandip from MBAEssayConsultant. He has lots of patience and gave me a lot of time to clarify all my questions. An excellent editor, he offered me lots of suggestions for writing great essays. His detailed knowledge of the culture of various US MBA schools helped me a lot to tailor my applications. Finally, I got admitted to the Columbia MBA program. I got admission letters from Duke and Booth as well; but was dinged at HBS and Stanford.

I have seen from my own application that a good consultant can make a hell of a difference. Hope this helps.

Thanks,
Prady,
CBS Class of 2026