What Is an MBA Admissions Consultant?
Each year, thousands of highly qualified candidates compete for admission and scholarship money at top MBA programs. The competition is fierce and stakes are high, so many candidates seek expert advice to help make their applications as competitive as possible. MBA admissions consultants are professionals who can (1) help candidates prepare for and navigate the MBA application process, and (2) provide advice on how the candidate’s application can authentically showcase their full potential to contribute to an MBA cohort.
Competition Is Indeed Fierce
Among the group of top tier M7 business schools, six candidates are competing for each spot in an incoming cohort. At the most competitive schools, Stanford and Harvard, candidates could be competing with as many as 10-15 other applicants for each available spot.
Once admitted, roughly half of the candidates get scholarship offers. Highly sought-after candidates can get higher offers - especially when lower ranked schools compete to lure students who were also accepted to higher ranked schools. The strength of one’s application can influence admission decisions as well as the financial incentive to choose a particular school.
What MBA Admissions Consultants Do
Most admissions consultants provide a full spectrum of services with the ultimate purpose of strengthening your application. Some consultants work with you on an hourly or project basis, tailoring services to your needs and budget. Other consultants prefer to work primarily through comprehensive “school package” engagements that cover the application process end-to-end.
Regardless of how their services are packaged, most admissions consultants can do the following:
Identify your strengths and weaknesses as an MBA candidate
Select target schools that align with your qualifications, preferences, and career goals
Advise and encourage candidates to engage thoughtfully with target schools and their admissions offices
Develop a personal story that showcases your potential to contribute to an MBA cohort
Position your personal story throughout your application
Review and provide feedback on essays, personal statements, resumes, and videos
Provide guidance for recommendations
Prepare for interviews and conduct practice interviews
Develop strategies for candidates who are waitlisted or re-applying
What MBA Admissions Consultants Do Not Do
MBA consultants are not mercenaries who will fight your admissions battles for you. They do not exist to make you appear better than you are.
More specifically, consultants will not:
Write your essays for you
Misrepresent any of your qualifications
Solicit recommendations for you
Use school connections to advocate for you
Share any of your personal information without permission
The MBA consultant’s role is to help you make your best possible authentic case in a way that fully communicates your value to the admissions committee.
Your Guide and Strategist
In today’s competitive MBA admissions landscape, it’s not enough to simply have strong credentials— you also need a clear, compelling application strategy to help the admissions office understand who you are and what you bring to the program. An MBA admissions consultant can help you highlight your authentic strengths, select and craft your most compelling stories, and present the best version of yourself to admissions committees. We won’t write your essays or pull strings on your behalf—but they will provide the structure, strategy, and honest feedback you need to navigate a complex process with clarity and confidence.