Admissions Consultants: What's the Deal?

Question

I'm new to exploring this MBA world, and I'm struck by this admission consulting industry. What's the deal here? Is it pretty "standard" for applicants to top programs to hire consultants? I've read the descriptions of what packages include... Are you basically paying consultants to complete your applications, do you don't have to?

Candidly, I don't come from money, I'm not wealthy now, and I'm the first in my family to attend college. I'm astounded that people are paying $5,000+ for consulting packages, but the sheer number of companies offering these services tells me there must be demand.

Am I crazy to think about applying to places like Haas, Yale, and Duke without hiring a consultant?

aerien · Answer

IMO, getting a consultant for the business school application process is akin to deciding if you want to take a course to prepare for the GMAT or the GRE. How much leg work / discipline do you have to go it alone? Do you need or like the structure of having someone support your process in terms of timelines for exploring school options, tackling the application, searching for that perfect essay topic, etc. If you want someone to help you go through that process, then you can search through a number of firms listed here on GC and elsewhere to see which would be the best fit (some focus on certain aspects of the application vs the entire application; some let you choose a consultant based on background, school you're interested in, or recruiting industry, etc).

Personally, I did not use a consultant for bschool apps, though I obviously did spend an inordinate amount of time on GC so take that for what you will.

Personally, I did not use a consultant for bschool apps, though I obviously did spend an inordinate amount of time on GC so take that for what you will.

Admissionado · Answer

What he said

I'll add a few things that I think we can offer if you are considering consulting - Perspective: We've worked on TONS of applications from lots of different people in different countries and industries. We also have a team of MBA grads and other folks who have a combined experience both in applications and applying/attending themselves that is invaluable. We can tell you if your essays are boring, fascinating, tedious, and so on. Likewise for all your application materials - Positioning - We can give you an honest evaluation of where you stand given the above experience and knowledge, and help you construct an application strategy around that. - Storytelling - We help out clients weave narratives. Some people are amazing natural storytellers, others are not

- Writing - Likewise with the writing itself, we advise on how to make things more punchy and effective and unique in all application materials (although I wrote "writing" this can also be with interview prep, video etc.) Structure and Support - We are here to answer you promptly and directly, to give your application and timeline structure, and to nudge you a bit when you fall behind schedule. Ummmm there's gotta be some more stuff we do too, but that's a good start! Jon

Admissions Consultants: What's the Deal?

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