How to choose a MBA consultant?

Question

Recently I've been trying to decide whether or not I would like to use the service of an admissions consultant. As you can imagine there are many resources available. Is there a thread or site that have reviews of admissions services that someone could point me out to? Much appreciated.

bb · Answer

This topic has come up a few times - here is the latest discussion: best-admission-consulting-companies-92923.html

CharmWithSubstance · Answer

thanks - what i was looking for.

PaulLanzillotti · Answer

Hi CharmWithSubstance:
I also posted a reply in the other thread that covers the "best admissions consultants." I think the true test of any admissions consultant is what their former clients would say about them. You will hear a lot of admissions consulting companies quote acceptance rates and other statistics around the efficacy of their services. However, I want to give you a word of caution and advice. Having worked in audit and risk management, I believe that if a statement not audited, the data is susceptible to cherry picking.

So what should you do? I think a very simple test is to be provided, by the admissions consulting firm, the names of three clients who used services and were accepted to the schools of their choice, and also, three clients who used services and were not accepted to the schools of their choice. This would be a set of six distinct clients. While this may seem like a lot of phone calls, choosing the right admissions consultant is perhaps the most important decision you'll make in the application process.

In closing, I would like to offer up one hour, pro grata diagnostic consultation. I believe that one-hour is the appropriate amount of introductory time to fully vet most applicants profiles (at a high-level). 
Please let me know if this is something that you would be interested in.

Respectfully,
Paul Lanzillotti

thomas92 · Answer

I have heard nothing but wonderful things about Dr. Shel Watts at MBAAdmit... Google "Shel Watts" and "MBAAdmit" and you will get her website. From what I hear, she has awesome advice, awesome editing, awesome support for candidates, awesome pricing. She prices at only a fraction of what consultants with comparable (and lesser!) quality of experience do... Her services have caught my eye for sure.

She has a blog on Business Week's online Getting into b-school forum.

She has a blog on Business Week's online Getting into b-school forum.

How to choose a MBA 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