I finished up my applications and wanted to provide some feedback about my experiences with consultants. First, I applied to Harvard, Columbia, Kellogg, Tuck, and Johnson. I was accepted at Columbia, and interviewed with Kellogg and Johnson (waiting to hear back from them, along with Tuck. Dinged at Harvard).
In general, I strongly recommend anyone serious about a top-10 program take advantage of the insight and expertise that an established consultant can offer. At a minimum, get the free initial consultation to hear their thoughts. Going into the process, I had a decent idea of my "brand" and the stories I wanted to tell, and I consider myself a strong writer. I was hesitant to pay for help, but I was also concerned that I wouldn't be writing about the right things, or framing my essays for optimal impact. Getting the perspective of someone who was an expert on the admissions process made sense (you'd have a lawyer read a contract, or an accountant check your taxes, right?).
The first resource I found, and one of the best available, is the essaysnark blog. The snark ripped apart (in a good way) one of my first attempts at an essay, and provided great feedback. The articles are full of relevant and practical (and free) advice. I ended up purchasing a small package to help finish one of the last essays I was working on, and the quality (and speed) of the work was awesome. I also won a Twitter contest and got a free Columbia school guide
. Definitely check it out to get yourself started. (5 out of 5)
Then I started researching more formal (i.e. paid) options. I filled out a consultation request form with MBA Crystal Ball, only to find out they specialize in Indian applicants (I'm Caucasian from America). No matter, Sameer still offered to review my profile, and I ended up using their MBA Mock Application Process. It was a great value, and the mock interview really helped me articulate some of the key points I'd want to highlight later in the process. (4 out of 5 for me, probably higher for Indian applicant)
Sameer recommended I check out Precision Essay for additional help, and I spoke with Jon for a free consultation. In about 45 minutes, he synthesized my (non-traditional: logistics and military) background and career goals (MC) into a thorough and compelling story. I started slowly with their services (still convinced that, because I was a good writer, I could write good admissions essays), and they didn't pressure me to do anything more than I was comfortable with at the time. Eventually, I realized that their input would be an advantage, so I upgraded to a two school junior deluxe package (Columbia and Kellogg). The edits, turnaround time, customer service, and overall experience were all fantastic. Obviously, the final product speaks for itself (accepted at Columbia and had a great interview with a Kellogg alum). (5 out of 5; highly recommended)
During my research, I also received a free consultation from Clear Admit. I don't have anything negative to say: the discussion was helpful, the staff was friendly, and the follow-up service was good. But during the conversation, one big negative aspect of my situation came up (just left the military, and was spending some time in Europe = unemployed). We never really moved forward from this point, even though I was clear it was something that wouldn't change and that would have to be dealt with on my application. The response was basically "you should try to find a job" instead of thinking of how to frame and overcome the issue - this turned me off from their services. (3 out of 5, based strictly on the initial consultation; could be better as you get more in-depth)
Finally, in addition to all the paid services, most of the consultants offer a variety of free resources that I found very helpful during the application process.
Stacy Blackman sent me a free "Designing Your Business School Brand" guide, Accepted offered a free report on how to fix the "5 Fatal Flaws" of college personal statements,
Amerasia provided free guides on "How to Apply to Harvard Business School" (and Columbia), and Veritas Prep has an entire collection of Annual Reports for all the top schools. Add to these resources blogs, wikis, and forums that are hosted on most of their websites, and there's a ton of material out there to help you create the best application you can. I recommend you take advantage of all of it.