When To Hire A Consultant (Timeline)?

Question

I'm looking to hire a MBA Admissions consultant to help me in a relatively comprehensive fashion. I have been look all over to discover the best time in the process to bring on a consultant. I know it varies, but I'd like to know a general idea of the earlier, latest and average timeline of when MBA hopefuls bring on a consultant relative to the date they want to submit their applications. Thanks!

MBAPrepCoach · Answer

The earliest would probably April, the average will be probably June and then if you're really trying to sabotage yourself you will do with the month before. It's important to get things done early because the more iterations you have the higher the caliber of your application materials and the greater your chances of being accepted. I mean I think that's obvious but it's good to say it out loud sometimes. As far as the timeline of course it varies because if you are doing 7 long complicated applications then you need to give yourself a lot more time. As opposed to someone doing three simple applications . another variable that I would factor into this is the availability of the consultants time, and also your time. if you are an investment banker who can barely squeeze an hour into the day to do anything, you're going to want to start real early. You just don't have a chunk of time to work with so slow and steady wins the race on that.

https://MBAPrepCoach.COM

PaulBodine · Answer

AnonBio27, As an admissions consultant myself, I can tell you that the best time to do an initial strategy/brainstorming session is right now. Then, as the schools release their essay topics and apps in May and June we can pivot directly to essay work. It's true that many applicants engage with consultants over the summer but in my experience the best results come when we are not rushed to meet deadlines. I'd be glad to schedule an initial free consult with you now if you'd like to share your resume with me: paul@admitify.com. --Paul Bodine, Great Applications for Business School, https://www.admitify.com/testimonials

PersonalMBACoach · Answer

Now is a really good time to start. Columbia will be releasing their questions any day now and some schools keep the same questions from year to year. For the past few months I have been working with applicants on defining their story, drafting generic "Why MBA" essays and writing about goals. I start working with applicants in early January (sometimes the previous year as well - not counting the early planning applicants who begin years before they apply). The reality is the price for the services is set, so the earlier you start, the more time you have to take advantage of working with a consultant. I suggest you do your homework and figure out the right fit. Once you do, roll up your sleeves and get to work!

Good luck!

Best,
Scott

IvyGroupeCEO · Answer

Hi there,

The earlier you can start the better - from a timing perspective, you can pace yourself and it's much less stressful. By engaging with a consultant now, you can work on strategy before the essays come out as well as address any areas of weakness with time on your side. Feel free to reach out for a free consultation if that would be helpful (https://www.ivygroupe.com or [email protected]).

Best,
Shaifali
(Harvard Business School grad)

VeritasPrepDozie · Answer

The earlier the better within the calendar year. April/May is probably the ideal time frame especially if you have taken the GMAT already. Most people will look to hire a consultant a 6-8 weeks out. Generally you want to be between April and July

StratusDonna · Answer

Hi AnonBio27 , I think I am just adding to the choir here... but if you want to have the most comprehensive experience it is best to look to hire a consultant now. This way you do have time to do extra research and be more thorough in the introspection process. That being said- a consultant can help you whenever you want at the level you want- so a consultant can still add value to the process in the summer or beyond if that is when you are ready to do so. We'd love to have the opportunity to tell you about our team based approach so please reach out to us at this link to learn more about how we can help you! https://stratusadmissionscounseling.com ... b-visitor/ And good for you for being so proactive and thinking about all this now. It is a good sign that you will have great results in the upcoming year and I certainly wish the best for you.

MG4MBACrystalBall · Answer

Not just for consultants, we've written about the overall timeline planning. Read  here .

Hope this helps.

Cheers,

When To Hire A Consultant (Timeline)?

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