Consultant Recommendations Please

Check out the evaluations at admissions411.com.

There's also a thread on the BW forums about some good ones and which ones to avoid.

I highly and confidently recommended MBAExchange. They are hands down awesome. I used them and got into a top 5 program. They know their **** and they work more than what you pay them. I thought it was a bargain!

-Sam

I will add more information shortly - Thanks.

First, let me say thank you very much to everyone on the board who offers their insight. GMAT Club has been an amazing resource for me and I am very appreciative.

Initially, I was very reluctant to hire a consultant but the more I read the more I become overwhelmed. I would like to apply to the top 10 for Fall 2008. I took the GMAT in January and posted my scores on the MBA Game Plan and Accepted.com threads. One told me to retake and the other told me there is no need. This only led to further confusion.

Based on my reading I feel that my GMAT scores, while not a grand slam, are very good. I have decided to turn my focus to other things: nailing down the schools I want to apply to, setting a timeline, seeking out recommenders, taking an accounting class, continuing to do community service, etc.

I am just looking for some direction on where to begin and how best to tackle the project of setting my school list and beginning the process. I just feel overwhelmed and could use a little guidance. Thanks.

There's one thread on the BW forum where a number disgruntled clients have made it their mission to bring down a certain admissions service. Its pretty funny how the consultants are getting ripped.

I highly reco MBAExchange as well. Got in to top5 program, and 4 out of 5 other schools I applied to.

Oh please share the link.

https://forums.businessweek.com/n/pfx/fo ... &tid=71981

Some of the most recent posts on this thread are awesome: https://forums.businessweek.com/n/pfx/fo ... &tid=33558

Are admissions consultants tantamount to gmat prep courses? With a little legwork, it can be done just as well without them?

I am very curious about that as well but it seems with the sheer breadth of information and competition that one needs some guidance in gaining access to the top schools. Please elaborate on your opinion.

IMHO, they are useful to help you assess your chances if you don't have access to other people in the know (like MBA grad friends). They can help you choose your portfolio of schools and give some advice on whether to re-take the GMAT, etc.

The essays should of course be executed alone. Maybe you could ask for feedback (as you would your friends) but that's it.

Cheers. L.

I think so; With some self-discipline and effort you can do this without consultants. I never used any and I did well (1 ding out of 5 programs to which I applied)

There have been a number of people here who have stated that a consultant is not necessary. I have seen some threads that attempt to point people in the right direction in beginning the process but nothing concrete.

If I were to not use a consultant, where is the best place to start?

How can I best assess my chances of getting in to various schools?

post your stats in one of the following forums:

Ask Hjort

Ask Accepted.com

MBA Game Plan