The best MBA Admissions Consulting firms are affordable and will get you into the program you want! The admissions process for top MBA programs can be stressful, but prospective students don’t have to navigate it alone. Many experienced MBA Admissions Consulting Firms can provide valuable guidance on applications, essay writing, and placement tests. These top consulting firms offer advice on aligning long-term professional goals with the MBA program and help students connect their professional aspirations with how an MBA can help achieve them.
Working with a competent advisor provides advantages that cannot be gained from free resources or personal relationships. A good advisor offers leadership, analytical skills, editing ability, objectivity, practical judgment, and emotional intelligence, as well as providing encouragement and emotional support when needed.
Contents:
- Methodology for the Best MBA Admissions Consulting Firms
- 1. Stacy Blackman Consulting
- 2. Admissionado
- 3. ARINGO
- 4. MBA Prep School
- 5. mbaMission
- 6. Stratus Admissions Counseling
- 7. Accepted
- 9. Fortuna Admissions
- 10. MBA Exchange
- 11. Menlo Coaching
- 12. Avanti Prep
- 13. Gatehouse Admissions
- 14. Ivy Groupe
- 15. Personal MBA Coach
- 16. Prep MBA
- 17. Square One Prep
- 18. Admissions Gateway
- 19. Vantage Point MBA
- 20. Admit Advantage
- How Do I Choose an MBA Admissions Consultant Firm?
- Top Reasons for Working with an MBA Consulting Firm
Methodology for the Best MBA Admissions Consulting Firms
In order to find the best MBA admissions consulting firms for 2024, we conducted research on the top consulting firms that assist MBA students in gaining admission to their desired MBA programs. Our evaluation involved analyzing rankings and reviews from reliable MBA sources like Poets & Quants, the Graduate Management Admissions Council, MBA Insights, Crush the GRE, the San Diego Magazine, the Exam Strategist, and the Accounting Institute for Success. Based on this research, we identified the top consulting firms in the nation. Below are the nation’s best MBA admissions consulting firms.
1. Stacy Blackman Consulting
Stacy Blackman Consulting matches clients with consultants based on their goals and backgrounds. The firm’s “All-In” philosophy encourages clients to believe in themselves and their potential. Consultants specialize in various client backgrounds and have diverse perspectives. Clients review bios before choosing consultants, and payment is only accepted once the perfect match is found.
- “All-In” Package: 1 school, starting at $7,300
- Hourly Services: Starting $395/hour
- The SBC Flight Test: $825
- MBA Interview Prep: Starting at $575 for Video Interview/Video Essay only
- MBA Plan Ahead Package: $4,995
- GMAT & GRE Test prep: Starting at $540 for 2 hours
More: Stacy Blackman Consulting
2. Admissionado
Admissionado assists applicants in showcasing their strengths to appeal to MBA programs. With a 98% success rate in improving clients’ acceptance chances, the team’s expertise is evident. They emphasize clients’ key strengths and customize them to align with the qualities that admissions committees value, establishing it as a top-tier MBA admissions consulting firm.
- Silver: $3,250 for 1 school
- Gold: $5,850 for 1 school
- Platinum: $8,650 for 1 school
- Discovery & Competitive Edge Positioning: $925
- Resume Development: $750
More: Admissionado
3. ARINGO
ARINGO has a proven process with over 90% of their clients being accepted into at least one business school of their choice, often with scholarships. Their personalized guidance and support from a team of experts ensure high-quality applications tailored to each candidate’s unique needs.
- Hourly Services: Starting at $315/hour
- Full School Package: Starting at $5,200 for 1 school
- MBA Interview Preparation: $315
More: ARINGO
4. MBA Prep School
MBA Prep School offers consulting services to improve your chances of getting into top MBA programs. Over 85% of clients are admitted to their preferred business schools each season.
- Admissions Consulting Services- Two schools $7,495
- Hourly Consulting: Minimum of 3 hours- $1,125
- Prepare to Apply Program: $1,995
- Admission Interviewing Prep Package: $595-$795
More: MBA Prep School
5. mbaMission
mbaMission offers free 30-minute consultations with their Senior Consultant team, providing actionable feedback and personalized advice tailored to each candidate’s unique needs. They have a strong reputation for quality service and client satisfaction.
- Complete Start-to-Finish Package: Starting at $7,200
- Hourly Services: Starting at $385/hour (minimum purchase 2 hours)
- Pre-Application Strategy: Starting at $1,540
- Mock Interview Sessions: Starting at $800
- “Ding” Review/Reapplicant Strategy: Starting at $700 for 1 school
More: mbaMission
6. Stratus Admissions Counseling
Stratus Admissions Counseling helps MBA students gain admission to top business schools with personalized strategies and a guarantee of commitment to each student’s journey.
- Comprehensive MBA Admissions Consulting: Starting at $7,600 for 1 school
- Hourly Admissions Consulting: Starting $495-$585/hour (minimum purchase 2 hours)
- MBA Application Fundamentals and Strategy: Starting at $2,250
- MBA Interview Prep: Starting at $800- $1200
- MBA Ding Analysis: $900-$1100
More: Stratus Admissions Counseling
7. Accepted
Looking to apply to a top MBA program? Accepted offers expert consulting services to guide you through the admissions process, including school ranking evaluation, essay strategy, resume critique, and more. With over 50 years of combined admissions experience, Accepted provides personalized support for aspiring MBA students.
- Comprehensive MBA Application Package: Starting at $4,995 for 1 school
- Admissions Consulting: Starting at $360/hour
- Mock Interview Package: Starting at $540 for new clients
- Rejection Review: Starting at $360
More: Accepted
8. MBA Admit
MBA Admit is an experienced admissions consulting firm with exposure to Harvard admissions and top-notch writing skills. Over 95% of their clients gain admission to their top three targeted schools, many receiving unsolicited scholarships. Clients work directly with President Dr. Shel Watts, a Harvard and Oxford graduate, and the company offers an affordable package including strategy sessions, essay brainstorming, editing, resume feedback, and support.
- CEO Package: $5,095
- Gold “Plus” Package: $2,895
- Stand-Alone Strategy Session: $595
- Hourly Fees: $365/hour
More: MBA Admit
9. Fortuna Admissions
Because Fortuna coaches come from senior positions at the nation’s best MBA programs, they are uniquely qualified to help MBA candidates maximize their chances of gaining a coveted place in an elite business school. Clients choose the Premium Package Upgrade to get the extensive support of Fortuna’s complete Comprehensive MBA Package plus help from a former Admissions Director.
- Comprehensive MBA Admissions Consulting: Starting at $6,380 for 1 school
- Hourly Admissions Consulting: Starting $395/hour (minimum purchase 8 hours)
- Early Stage MBA Planning: Starting at $1,580
- MBA Resume Review: Starting at $790
- MBA Ding Analysis: $790
More: Fortuna Admissions
10. MBA Exchange
MBA Exchange, founded in 1996, specializes in guiding students through the MBA admissions process. The firm offers personalized mentorship, top-tier consulting, and a choice of 17 individual services tailored to each student’s needs, time, and budget.
More: MBA Exchange
11. Menlo Coaching
Menlo Coaching’s experienced consultants empower candidates to find their unique voice and tell their stories compellingly.
More: Menlo Coaching
12. Avanti Prep
Avanti Prep offers comprehensive services for MBA applications, including school-specific mock interviews and personalized coaching sessions.
More: Avanti Prep
13. Gatehouse Admissions
Gatehouse Admissions is a boutique admissions firm that employs elite MBA admissions experts. These coaches are passionate about helping others understand and realize their potential. So, Gatehouse clients benefit from the team’s experience and relentless and collaborative focus on ensuring that its processes, tools, and insights are the best in the industry.
More: Gatehouse Admissions
14. Ivy Groupe
For business school applicants aiming to set themselves apart, it is crucial to be genuine. To stand out, they must approach the application process with sincerity. To be memorable, they must reveal their human side. The admissions experts at Ivy Groupe delve deep to uncover the distinctive traits of our clients and use them as the foundation to help craft and connect the dots within their stories. By employing proven strategies, MBA consultants work closely with candidates to help them stand out and achieve their ultimate goal – acceptance to their dream business schools.
More: Ivy Groupe
15. Personal MBA Coach
Personal MBA Coach provides personalized support to MBA applicants, offering honest feedback and a success rate of over 95%. Clients have gained acceptance into top business schools worldwide, including Harvard, Stanford, Wharton, and more.
More: Personal MBA Coach
16. Prep MBA
Alex Leventhal, with nearly twenty years of experience, leads Prep MBA, a leading admission consulting firm. The company provides comprehensive services, including interview preparation, essay guidance, recommendation letters, and resumes. They have a proven track record of success and have compiled a knowledge management system of successful applications to top schools nationwide.
More: Prep MBA
17. Square One Prep
Square One Prep has a diverse team dedicated to helping clients create impactful applications. They aim to make the application process rewarding for candidates, serving clients from various professions and from all over the world. Business school applicants can rely on their exceptional team and approach to succeed.
More: Square One Prep
18. Admissions Gateway
Admissions Gateway was founded as a passion project by Rajdeep, who faced multiple rejections from business schools before gaining acceptance to his top choices. The organization provides top-quality and affordable consulting services, with a 99% success rate for re-applicants. They work with applicants from over twenty-five countries and can help you achieve your goals.
More: Admissions Gateway
19. Vantage Point MBA
Vantage Point MBA offers personalized consulting with a low client-to-consultant ratio and provides admissions packages for MBA applicants. The firm offers comprehensive packages designed to guide clients through each stage of the application process and optimize their chances of success.
More: Vantage Point MBA
20. Admit Advantage
Admit Advantage offers comprehensive support for the MBA application process, including tailored admissions strategies, a step-by-step approach, and an expedited process for a quick start.
More: Admit Advantage
How Do I Choose an MBA Admissions Consultant Firm?
Choosing an MBA admissions consultant firm is an important decision that can significantly impact your application process and, ultimately, your chances of getting into your desired business school. Here are some steps to help you choose the right consultant:
Credentials and Experience
Check the credentials and experience of the consultants. Look for consultants with firsthand experience with the MBA admissions process, preferably those who have attended top business schools or have worked in admissions at reputable institutions.
Cost and Affordability
The cost of the top Admissions Consulting Firms generally runs from a few thousand dollars to almost ten thousand. This is because intentional one-on-one expert services demand top dollar, especially when the ROI is so significant, as with a top MBA degree.
Services Offered
Consider what services the consultant offers. Some consultants provide comprehensive packages that include assistance with every aspect of the application process, from school selection to interview preparation, while others may offer more targeted services.
Client Success Rate
Review the success rate and track record of the consultant or consulting firm. Do they have a history of helping applicants get into their target schools? Request to see testimonials or success stories from past clients. But remember, success rates cannot give students a comparative view of success in using services versus those without. They cannot give a percentage chance into a particular target school. However, if done well, success rates can give a view of consulting firms meeting individual goals that they set out to meet.
Top Reasons for Working with an MBA Consulting Firm
Business school prospects applying for an MBA have probably heard of MBA consultant firms.
MBA consulting firms are professional organizations that understand the MBA application process in-depth. They are in the business of helping MBA candidates develop solid strategies that give them a better chance of being accepted into their choice MBA programs. Employing an MBA admissions consulting firm can offer several benefits and advantages for prospective business school applicants:
Expertise and Experience
MBA admissions consultants typically have extensive experience and expertise in the business school admissions process. They are familiar with the nuances of different MBA programs, understand what admissions committees are looking for, and can provide valuable insights and advice to help applicants navigate the complex application process.
Strategic Guidance
Consultants can provide strategic guidance tailored to each applicant’s unique profile and goals. They can help applicants identify their strengths and weaknesses, develop a compelling narrative for their application, and create a strategic plan to maximize their chances of admission to their target schools.
Application Optimization
Consultants can assist with every aspect of the application process, from selecting the right schools to crafting persuasive essays, preparing for interviews, and securing letters of recommendation. They can help applicants showcase their achievements, experiences, and aspirations in the most compelling way possible.
Time and Stress Management
Applying to business school can be a time-consuming and stressful process, especially for applicants who are also working full-time or managing other responsibilities. Consultants can help applicants manage their time effectively, stay organized, and alleviate some of the stress associated with the application process.
Access to Resources and Networks
Many MBA admissions consulting firms have access to a wide range of resources, including sample essays, interview tips, and insider knowledge about different MBA programs. They may also have extensive networks of alumni, current students, and admissions officers that can provide valuable insights and support.
Increased Chances of Admission
While hiring a consultant does not guarantee admission to a business school, working with an experienced consultant can significantly increase applicants’ chances of success. Consultants can help applicants present themselves in the best possible light and address any weaknesses or concerns in their application.
Post-Acceptance Support
Some MBA admissions consulting firms offer support beyond the application process, including assistance with scholarship negotiations, career planning, and networking. This ongoing support can be valuable for applicants as they transition into business school and beyond.
Overall, employing an MBA admissions consulting firm can be a worthwhile investment for applicants who are serious about maximizing their chances of admission to top-tier business schools and achieving their long-term career goals.
Quick MBA Essay Tips:
- Be specific! Why are you “the ideal applicant for this MBA”?
- Use what you care about in your responses. Admissions reps want to know what excites and inspires you. If you bring some riz, they’ll welcome a similar enthusiasm in the classroom.
- Don’t be forgetable – be unforgettable! Remember to communicate yourself as an assertive, proactive go-getter.
While the factors of this article on the reasons one should pursue an MBA consulting firm can vary when considering individual candidates, one thing remains: candidates should only apply to schools they would be happy to attend. There’s no value in applying to a business school to get an acceptance letter if the MBA program doesn’t position them to accomplish post-MBA career goals. There are some excellent programs out there. Find the one that works for you, and don’t forget to ask for help.
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