myheartssay wrote:
I didn't mean to discredit any MBA admission consultant, but does it really important to have one?
Because it seems everyone from GMAT club apply to one, and let's be honest those consultants aren't cheap at all, and honestly, I don't have that kind of money.
Does it lower my chance to get accepted in B-school if I try to apply independently?
Thank you for anyone who respond
You have an admissions consultant responding first
Admissions consultants bring some unparalleled qualities to the application process:
1. Experience. Having read countless essays and resumes, we know what works and what doesn't. We at MBA Decoder have many times thrashed essay story ideas, which applicants thought were unique. At the same time, we have found gems of stories during brainstorming, which applicants thought were irrelevant for the MBA application.
2. Depth in your storytelling- through several iterations and constant questioning. Our applicants have told us they would have given up much earlier. But its this depth in storytelling that can make a winning difference to your application.
3. a sounding board for your career goals- this is an Achilles' heel in many applications. Getting your goals right- ambitious yet logical and connected to your past work experience is crucial for hitting the right chords. Your consultant with more seniority and industry experience can add real value to this part of your application.
4. More often than not, we find ourselves playing the role of mentors and guides to our applicants. You need mentorship and a third-party, objective view (apart from friends and family) to write compelling applications. Moreover, you need the friendship and support of an expert who understands the rigors you are going through managing a full-time job and the applications.
Agree, MBA consultation is expensive, but there are consultants at various price points. Work with one who you feel a connect with and can trust to help you. A lot is at stake for you as an applicant- the time, money and heartbreak of unexpected outcomes. and then the soaring MBA costs....A few $$$$ spent now on highly specialized services can help you reap unparallel benefits- admissions to better-ranked colleges and scholarship money.