How to select an admission consultant

Question

HI,

I am planning to apply for MBA in R1-2023. I am already done with GMAT with a 760 score. But I am facing a hard time deciding about which consultant I should work with. Given its a substantial investment which is definitely going to have impact on my chances of admission, I am really looking for some guidance here.
Another issue which I am facing is low bandwidth with most of the consultants given its already just two months left for R1.
What parameters I should focus on while deciding on consultants.

Looking forward to feedback and recommendations.

Regards,
Ayush

thearnavsharma · Answer

Hi Ayush,
Your score happens to be phenomenal.
I can share my experience ie; I applied with a company called Strategy4GMAT and Manan Puri was the name of the consultant.
I would simply say that my experience was superb and I say so after speaking to over 8 consultants.
If you want we can talk over DM, as I don't wanna spam this platform.
Thanks and all the best

admitStreet · Answer

AYUSH198 Congrats on your GMAT score, and good question. I suggest taking into account the following factors: Experience & Expertise: Research their backgrounds, qualifications, and client testimonials to assess their expertise in guiding past candidates. Particularly check if they have helped someone with less/ no GMAT score secure an admit. Brownie points if they have been associated with the admissions process (of any top B-school). Knowledge of Target Schools & Sectors: Make sure that the consultant is familiar with the target schools you are applying to. They should have insights into the specific requirements and expectations of the school to help you craft a compelling application. If they are an alumni of your target (or similar) school, or can connect you with alumni in your target school(s), even better. Personal Involvement: Choose a consultant you feel comfortable working with and who understands your goals and aspirations. Effective communication and a strong working relationship are vital, which can be figured by connecting with them for a quick 1:1 chat. Stay away from consultants who use assistants/ juniors to answer your queries/ calls, as they clearly don't value you enough to devote their time. Availability and Timing: Given the limited time remaining for R1, make sure that the consultant accommodate your schedule and provide high quality and customized support. Cost and Value: Consider your budget and the value you expect to receive in return. Remember that this investment can have a significant impact on your chances of admission, scholarships and future career opportunities. If you feel we match these criteria, please schedule a free introductory chat with me directly through the link below. Regards, Arvind HEC Paris MBA alum, Admissions interviewer W: https://admitstreet.com | E: consultingteam@admitstreet.com | M: +(91)-974-126-3950

MBADecoder · Answer

Hey Ayush,

we at MBA Decoder will be happy to help.
MBA Decoder has been helping applicants since 2011 and we are a small team of consultants who pay personalized attention to your applications. This means, we do not limit our interaction with applicants or the number of edits we provide. As the Founder of MBA Decoder, I work directly with our applicants and am supported by very capable senior consultants from top business schools in helping applicants build strong applications.

Feel free to reach out for a consultation.

Namita Garg,
http://www.mbadecoder.com
contact at mbadecoder.com

MBAGuide · Answer

AYUSH198 hope you are doing great The best way to assess whether you are a good fit with an admissions coach is to speak directly with the consultant and obtain full transparency about the process you will be participating in over the next few months (perhaps longer). Ideally, advisors who have themselves studied at the league of colleges you are targeting and have good insight into your industry (you can find this out during the exploratory interview) are the ones who can serve as valuable mentors during the admissions process and beyond. I would stay away from companies that assign you partner consultants but do not give you the opportunity to speak with the coach to explore synergies during introductory sessions. I am an INSEAD graduate (Co 2019) who also spent tenure as an admissions interviewer at INSEAD MBA. I have around 10 years of corporate experience in 5 countries over the last 10 years. In the last few years, I have also worked with some of the top admissions consultancies that you will find on this platform before venturing on my own. I would be happy to speak with you and give you candid advice regarding your goals and application strategy. Feel free to connect should you want to discuss. Personalized advice tailored to your specific situation is just a phone call or message away. Do not hesitate to reach out to us if you need help navigating your unique circumstances in the B School admissions process. Aanchal Sahni (INSEAD alum, ex admissions interviewer) MBAGuideConsulting LinkedIn |WEBSITE: https://mbaguideconsulting.com/ | Message: +91 9971200927| email- mbaguideconsulting@gmail.com

TheIvyLeagueEdge · Answer

Hey Ayush,
Fantastic score, and a good decision to choose your consultant wisely, since although a key component, a good score is far from being the only ONE (of many components).

My suggestion is to:
1) Connect with clients served by the consultant (if they are ok with being connected), and ask them the working style of the consultant concerned; in our case the highest number of LinkedIn recommendations worldwide, and with the credentials of each client available on LinkedIn is a big help. 
 2) Ask the consultant WHO you will be directly working with (in other words will you be handed over to another associate or someone else?)
 3) Do compare the prices but I would also strongly suggest to try and take a call on your chances with scholarships. The Free money in scholarships doesn't just help you with the exorbitant costs at MBA programs, but also helps stand you out for post MBA employment. So, if your chances at scholarships are higher with a consultancy service which seems to be priced on the higher side, consider if your enhanced chances of admission and scholarships make this investment worth it
4) Additionally, feel free to take a look at our high touch but low price package at a fraction of the prices for 1-2-1 consulting packages.

MBAandBeyond · Answer

Hi AYUSH198 , I hope you are doing well. Congratulations on your remarkable achievement in the GMAT – that's a fantastic accomplishment! Finding the right consultant for yourself is more difficult than finding a genie! We can totally understand your concern. As shared in the above posts, you should talk with the firm you'd like to work with. Explore their website and check their success stories. We at MBA and Beyond believe in each applicant's unique potential and tailor our guidance to showcase their individuality. Our Consultants take the time to understand the applicant's background, strengths, and goals. With this insight, we tailor our guidance to showcase your individuality, making sure your application truly reflects the amazing person you are. From start to finish, we provide comprehensive support for every aspect of the application process. Whether it's crafting compelling essays, refining your resume, or acing the interview, we've got you covered. We leave no stone unturned to ensure your application shines. We understand the importance of timely feedback and open communication. Our consultants are dedicated to being responsive, approachable, and readily available to address your queries and provide guidance throughout the application process. As far as the value for investment is concerned, we offer competitive pricing for our services, ensuring that you receive exceptional value for your investment in your MBA future. We believe in making our expertise accessible to ambitious candidates like you without compromising on quality. If you'd like, we are happy to hop on a call with you to discuss your profile in length. Feel free to schedule a call with us here . Cheers! Neha Hadke, Strategy Manager Meet our Panel of Consultants. Testimonials neha@mbaandbeyond.com MBA and Beyond

How to select an admission consultant

Prep Toolkit

Top 5 GMAT Debrief Videos

615 to 715 in 15 Days (Ria's Strategies)

More than Quant/Verbal Abilities: Speed vs. Accuracy

745 with Only Self-Prep and GMAT Club

From 555 to 765: 210-point Improvement

Perfect 805 Score Debrief by Julia

My Rewards