Question re: Consulting Services -

[optimisticsam]

Hi guys,

Question regarding consulting services for MBA apps. Does anyone have frank, no non-sense opinions or reviews of the different services out there?

I am interested in Stacey Blackman, and have spoken to Katie, but was wondering if anyone had experience with other services out there?

Any advice would be great!

Thanks!

~Sam

[beatthegmat]

Most consulting services provide a free initial assessment. What I would do during your research is to reach out to all these prospects and see how they review your candidacy. From there, you might have a better sense of who is the best fit for you.

Consulting services are a big investment, so think carefully whether you really need it before you commit. You may be a good candidate if you have one or several weaknesses in your application that you do not know how to address for yourself...

Good luck!

[optimisticsam]

Thanks Eric. Have you heard any testimonials from people that have used any of the big consultants?

I have found obviously plenty of positive testimonials, I was curious if you knew of anyone who had any criticism towards their consultant? I think I would find valid reasons why they thought the consultant didn't deliver more helpful than the "OMG! I'm in at HBS!1!!" testimonials I see at many of these sites.

Thanks! Hope all is well!

~Sam

[aim-wsc]

I would follow Eric's suggestion & make my opinion on these consultants rather than reading others testimonials.

PS. for +ve reviews check out their own websites & for -ve reviews read more forums like these

[jelt]

Comparison at:

https://mbaadvice.iqexchange.com/archives/001369.html

[optimisticsam]

link does not work....

[jelt]

err to sum up he said that sandy at hbsguru.com was the best in that he gave you big strategic words of advice. however, sandy has a very in your face style, so some might not like that, check out businessweek forums for the "Ask Sandy" thread and see.

He also said Sandy likes to do things like CUT THIS CRAP OUT JUST TELL ME WHAT DID YOU DO AND HOW DID YOU DO IT

Which he evidently liked, 'cause he chose Sandy and Sandy helped him get into HBS.

He said the same things as aim-wsc about the rest. Talked to them, bought a few hours, didn't click. That's probably really what's most important.

[beatthegmat]

Wow that Sandy guy sounds pretty harsh!

[beatthegmat]

The two consulting companies I personally trust are Stacy Blackman and ClearAdmit. However, I'm sure there are many great admissions consultants out there beyond these two.

[optimisticsam]

I have talked with Stacey Blackman services, and was pretty impressed. Also sent an inquiry to MBA Exchange, and heard back with an initial email, I will see what they say after I sent my profile...

On a related note - when do apps for fall '09 entry come out? June? July? August?

[jelt]

Good luck, let us know how the different consultants measure up, in your opinion.

I believe that when application materials come out vary from school to school. I've heard August is a safe bet for them generally being released, though.

Cheers!

[parore26]

Speaking of Consultancies. Does anybody know if Richard Montauk's Degree of Difference is still actively taking on clients?

[aim-wsc]

My take: Stacy Blackman of StacyBlackman Co.
and then there's a vet in this industry: Maxx Duffy of MaxxAssociates

I personally benifited from their consulting/counselling!

[aim-wsc]

Speaking of Consultancies. Does anybody know if Richard Montauk's Degree of Difference is still actively taking on clients

All it can take is a phone call to know about it. Unfortunately I dont know the no.

Wow that Sandy guy sounds pretty harsh!

Ask Sandy (aka HBSGuru ) is one of the most influencial person in this field. FYI, his thread is more than 10,000-posts strong at BusinessWeek forums. He responds to every post in 24 hours. He sounds harsh sometimes but WTH! there are thousands of people out there who just post repeative questions whose solutions are already been answered.

[parore26]

I wish it were that simple, actually, it should be. But, unfortunately a google search only shows up links to his book reviews etc. If their business is still active, it is a bit strange that they don't have more popular web presence. Maybe it's a filtering strategy to ensure that those who eventually seek help from them are resourceful and patient