When to hire an admissions consultant

Question

Hello!

I apologize if this has been addressed before, but does anyone have input on when to hire an admissions consultant? I am already set on doing it, but in terms of timeframe, I am a bit uneducated on when is typically a good time to start. Is it better to wait until summer, once applications have opened? Is it too late by that point?

Any thoughts would be appreciated!

Thanks!

PersonalMBACoach · Answer

The earlier the better. I am doing a lot of work with applicants now even though the questions aren't out yet. While it would not be too late to wait until the questions come out, there is quite a bit that can be done beforehand. Send me a note if you want to chat about how I can help and learn more about my process. Scott@personalmbacoach.com

Admissionado · Answer

I couldn't agree more! the earlier the better. You pay the same, but you get an earlier start. and also if you start earlier in the season the workload of our consultants is pretty low, so you get to pester them a lot with your questions

PaulBodine · Answer

nshah15, To offer the opinion of an admissions consultant, I would do it now --- at least have an initial strategy/brainstorming call now in case there are things you can do in the next few months to improve your odds. Then follow that advice and reengage when the apps start coming out in May. I'd be glad to give your profile some concrete feedback: paulsbodine@gmail.com. --Paul Bodine, Great Applications for Business School, www.admitify.com/outcomes

AugustAcademy · Answer

I would say you need about 3-4 months to put together very high-quality applications for R1 if you want to work at a leisurely pace. Given that most deadlines fall in early October, you should have finalised your consultant by early June.

You need to decide how much time you need to talk to a few people and see who you are most comfortable working with.

Best,
Karthik

VantagePointMBA · Answer

Hi there - I agree with the others. I already have several clients who are starting now for round 1 (April is when a lot of people start signing-up, to be honest). It's helpful to start early because you can identify any weaknesses asap and have time to address them. Honestly, the more time you have, the better (for both your applications and your sanity!) You can contact us through our website - Vantage Point MBA Admissions Consulting - if you want to chat further and we can walk you through best practices for what to do at each stage of the process.

Good luck!

- Meredith

Good luck!

- Meredith

MG4MBACrystalBall · Answer

Though enough has been said on the topic, but it might be useful to think of the entire timeline here Nshah. You may find the article we wrote on this  here , useful for the purpose.

MBAPrepCoach · Answer

I realize this is a bit of an old post but I wanted to mention - at this stage, it's a good idea to be working with a consultant (and a career coach, like myself) in 1) developing the quality of self-awareness that will set you apart in your essays and 2) using this knowledge to discover or firm up your career goals. Then testing this out by doing some informational interviewing with mentors and people in your field of interest. An essay written by someone who has done this research has far more persuasiveness and credibility than one written by an applicant who has not. You can also get your resume ready and prepare your "impact" stories. So much you can do already and to be honest, you will get greater mindshare of your consultant by working with them now than as the season draws nearer. You might find my Preparing for Round 1 blog articles to be helpful. 
Best, Farrell

When to hire an admissions 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