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ApplicantLab Admissions Consulting Reviews

Admissions is a tough game; we teach you how to win it. ApplicantLab is an on-demand series of interactive exercises that walk you through everything you need to craft a winning application. Created by an HBS grad with almost 15 years of experience, ApplicantLab takes admissions consultants’ tools and puts them in your hands. Learn more.
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ApplicantLab Admissions Consulting Reviews

ApplicantLab On-Demand Admissions Guidance Tool
 $349  $314
Reviews
229
Average Rating
5
Buy Now

Most Reviewed ApplicantLab Consultants

Maria Wich-Vila
Reviews
197
Average Rating
5.0
Carin Nelson
Reviews
22
Average Rating
5.0
Austin
Reviews
2
Average Rating
5.0
Luqzan
Reviews
2
Average Rating
5.0

AI Super-Summary of Customer Reviews for ApplicantLab*

ApplicantLab emerges as a highly effective and affordable online platform for MBA applicants, offering comprehensive guidance across all stages of the application process. Users praise the service for its detailed school-specific advice, strategic insights, responsiveness, and the humorous, supportive leadership of Maria. Many reviews highlight successful admissions to top business schools, often with significant scholarships, despite initial challenges like low GMAT scores or non-traditional backgrounds. The platform's modular approach, combined with optional add-on services such as essay reviews and interview prep, enables applicants to maintain their unique narratives while meeting each school's expectations. Critics are particularly impressed with the value for the money, advocating ApplicantLab as a viable alternative to traditional costly consulting services.
10 users mention "Full Service"
  • "The Lab helped me across the process..." Read more
  • "The personalized support and the high-quality platform..." Read more
  • "comprehensive and intuitive approach..." Read more
  • "I used all of their add-on services..." Read more
  • "solid tool in the sense that you do the hard work upfront..." Read more
  • "its detailed guide on the essay section was invaluable..." Read more
  • "It has detailed advice for each question for most of the top schools..." Read more
  • "ApplicantLab played a big role in my getting Kellogg and Booth MBA admitted..." Read more
  • "Applicant Lab is an extremely powerful platform..." Read more
  • "Covered brainstorming essays, recommendations, short-answer questions, interviews etc...." Read more
9 users mention "Value for Money"
  • "The best bang for your buck!..." Read more
  • "I'm very glad that I did because the platform is truly quite helpful..." Read more
  • "best value-for-money..." Read more
  • "best money I ever spent on my MBA application journey..." Read more
  • "Quality topped with affordability makes you a gem!..." Read more
  • "best decision..." Read more
  • "a fraction of the price!..." Read more
  • "You really do get a wealth of information and customized support..." Read more
  • "truly useful resource..." Read more
5 users mention "Scholarship Awarded"
  • "$300K+ scholarships!..." Read more
  • "got admitted to Fuqua with a scholarship..." Read more
  • "I got significant scholarships at 4 schools..." Read more
  • "UNC Kenan-Flagler ($$$$)..." Read more
  • "considerable scholarships, which is rare for part-time programs..." Read more
5 users mention "Essay Editing"
  • "Starting early ensures you know where you need to improve..." Read more
  • "The guys who review your essays are alumni of top business schools..." Read more
  • "provided a perspective that helped me think about a unique and effective way to present my story..." Read more
  • "breaking down the components of a successful MBA application..." Read more
  • "Sanity Check since I wanted expert advice..." Read more
4 users mention "US MBA Programs"
4 users mention "Responsive"
  • "She's also very responsive to questions, sometimes within an hour...." Read more
  • "Maria is always super responsive and gets back within a few hours..." Read more
  • "super fast answers to any questions..." Read more
  • "Maria always responds back quickly..." Read more
3 users mention "Supportive"
  • "Maria truly cared about my progress and kept in touch with me..." Read more
  • "I wouldn't have been able to achieve my dream of getting into MIT Sloan..." Read more
  • "Maria was incredibly supportive, responsive, and helpful throughout this process...." Read more
3 users mention "Detail-Oriented"
  • "gives the best structure to the whole process..." Read more
  • "process of reviewing essays is completely asynchronous..." Read more
  • "the material that Maria covers in lab is very comprehensive..." Read more
3 users mention "Resume Review"
  • "supplementary services (I used the resume review and essay review)..." Read more
  • "I was struggling with my resume..." Read more
  • "helps you get the brainstorming done in advance..." Read more
2 users mention "Non-traditional Backgrounds"
  • "Even as an international student who is an overrepresented minority..." Read more
  • "Perfect Self-Guided Tool for Non-Traditional Applicants..." Read more
2 users mention "Admitted"
2 users mention "Free Trial"
  • "Just give it a try! You won't regret it...." Read more
  • "Note on free trial: The free trial will only give a minimal view..." Read more
2 users mention "Interview Prep"
  • "The interview prep section was also very useful..." Read more
  • "The HBS mock interview that I did with Maria was also empowering..." Read more
2 users mention "Budget-Friendly"
  • "price point levels the playing field..." Read more
  • "incredibly helpful ApplicantLab was for so good of a price..." Read more
1 users mention "Generalist Approach"
  • "Guided process to help develop your MBA story..." Read more
*Review summaries are AI generated from 25 latest reviews in the past 2 years.

Reviews:

229 Reviews
5.0 Average
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March 05, 2026
Decadence101

Joined: Dec 10, 2022

Posts: 0

Kudos: 0

Verified GMAT Focus score:
675 Q82 V87 DI81

HBS Interview + INSEAD Admit - All Through ApplicantLab

REVIEWER IDENTITY VERIFIED by score report [?]

Strengths:

1) Vast repository of guidance for all top B-schools (this repository is also constantly being updated)
2) Super helpful exercises to help you put your best foot forward in the application essays/questions
3) Maria herself is reachable through email for any additional support (she reviewed my resume when I needed it, that too without any additional fees)

I strongly recommend ApplicantLab's admissions tool to all applicants looking for a do-it-all guide with the best bang for their buck.

Through this tool, I applied to HBS, GSB, and INSEAD (all Round 1). I got into INSEAD and landed an interview at HBS, all without using any other resources.

For context, I didn't have a huge budget for admissions guidance. So without ApplicantLab, it would've been almost impossible for me to get the guidance I needed to put forward my best MBA application.

ApplicantLab structures the whole application preparation process, removing confusion and giving you clarity from knowing exactly what you need to do. Aside from the tool itself, Maria is also reachable by email if you need help along the way.

Read More

December 29, 2025
BPapp24

Joined: Jul 08, 2025

Posts: 1

Kudos: 0

Verified GMAT Focus score:
695 Q83 V86 DI85

The best option HANDS DOWN

REVIEWER IDENTITY VERIFIED by score report [?]

If you are like most, struggling to decide whether or not to spend $10k on an admissions coach, look no further - use ApplicantLab! When I started my MBA application process, I was incredibly conflicted about whether or not to use a professional admissions coach. While the prices felt insane, I wanted to give myself every opportunity possible for success. After three sessions, I dropped the coach I had hired after feeling judged and pressured to portray myself in an inauthentic way. I was lost until I found ApplicantLab. This program gives you all the tools a full-time coach would, but allows you to tell your story in your own way. For the cost of one hour with a coach, ApplicantLab offers more resources and knowledge than I could ever need. It takes you through every step, from deciding to pursue an MBA to eventual interviews. Maria founded the program to give everyone a fair chance at top MBA programs, regardless of financial situation. While the program is amazing, it was Maria who personally changed my application experience. I can't count how many times I emailed her one-off questions to bounce ideas off of. She guided me every step of the way, and I am so proud to share that I will be going to Columbia Business School in the fall (with scholarship). Maria, it would not have been possible without you - thank you.

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December 02, 2025
crohanejtc

Joined: Apr 19, 2018

Posts: 0

Kudos: 0

Incredible Service!

REVIEWER IDENTITY VERIFIED by school email address [?]

Strengths:

The genuine wealth of helpful information about so many different schools.

Would make the product better:

Honestly, very little. It's priced very reasonably and any shortcomings (i.e. old material) are very quickly clarified and updated in the system by Maria.

I had such a positive experience with ApplicantLab! The program is so thorough and guides you through every step of the process. It includes bits that a traditional admissions consultant wouldn't think to cover and an applicant would never think to inquire about. The content does a great job adding requisite specificity without hampering an applicant's individuality. It provides a framework for you to show your strengths in a way that resonates with adcoms.

I genuinely couldn't imagine going through MBA apps without it and credit a good portion of my M7 admit to the program.

Maria was amazing and was able to answer some additional questions that I had as well!

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This reviewer has not participated on GMAT Club but it is a REAL person and a REAL review. GMAT Club has verified this test-taker's identity through GMAC/Pearson Vue Score Reporting system or .edu email address and confirmed that this reviewer indeed took the GMAT, is unique, and has not submitted multiple reviews.
September 26, 2025
miwand1

Joined: Oct 27, 2024

Posts: 0

Kudos: 0

Incredible Service! Highly Recommend

REVIEWER IDENTITY VERIFIED by gmat club tests [?]

Strengths:

Perfectly structured learnings, frameworks and tools at an amazing price. This will help you not only get into your dream school, but also prepare for interviews/perfect your elevator pitch, and how to market yourself for future opps. The founder, Maria, is always helpful if any issues or if you need more guidance!

Would make the product better:

No changes, would like more videos since they are very helpful.

This is the one product that will help you turn your experience into a strong, competitive profile for the MBA or grad school of your choice. It covers everything from building a standout resume, preparing for interviews, and selecting the right program for you, to understanding how to finance your degree. The platform is comprehensive, easy to use, and genuinely helpful at every stage of the application process. I highly recommend it to anyone navigating the admissions journey. It’s also worth investing in the resume review, the personalized feedback can make a real difference in how your story is told.

Read More

July 27, 2025
mateom9723

Joined: Jun 21, 2024

Posts: 5

Kudos: 0

Verified GMAT Focus score:
615 Q79 V84 DI78

Best value for money product in the market

REVIEWER IDENTITY VERIFIED by score report [?]

The Lab is an amazing tool. It’s structured, to the point, and incredibly user-friendly. I received offers from all three of the programs I applied to, including a scholarship at one of them. It also provides specific advice for all the major MBA programmes, which is a huge advantage.

Maria was also fantastic. She answered all of my questions thoroughly, and I truly felt I got incredible value for the price. I always felt in good hands with her.

I couldn’t recommend the Lab enough, there’s absolutely no need to spend 10x more on a traditional consultant.

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June 26, 2025
tarheelpoker

Joined: Jan 01, 2025

Posts: 5

Kudos: 3

Verified GMAT Focus score:
655 Q84 V83 DI80

Success with ApplicantLab

REVIEWER IDENTITY VERIFIED by score report [?]

Strengths:

Affordable price, large library of information, videos + written descriptions

Would make the product better:

No improvement recommendations really

Very well organized, at an affordable price point provides the meat & potatoes of what's needed to apply successfully to MBA programs. Lots of videos for each school that breaks down every part of the process of picking schools to choosing recommenders to drafting essays and completing interviews. I was a last minute R3 applicant and with the help of this program was admitted to an M7 (Booth) and multiple T20 / T30 programs (Tepper, Anderson, Marshall) with $$. Founder is also very responsive via email, provides 80% of what you get with a typical admissions consultant at 10% of the price. For someone who is looking for support but doesn't want to spend for an expensive admissions consultant, I can't recommend ApplicantLab enough.

Read More

June 22, 2025
yvonnegegeyan

Joined: Oct 07, 2019

Posts: 0

Kudos: 0

HBS Mock Interview

REVIEWER IDENTITY VERIFIED by membership [?]

Strengths:

- Very thorough preparation tailored to your application
- Detailed feedback
- Recording available for later review

Would make the product better:

- Pricing is a little high for a mock interview but it's worth it for me

I used ApplicantLab for my HBS mock interview, and it was an incredibly helpful experience! Luqzan was my mock interviewer, and his questions clearly reflected how thoroughly he had reviewed my application.

After the interview, we went through each question in detail—discussing how I responded, what worked well, and where I could improve. The feedback was specific, thoughtful, and actionable.

I also used the ApplicantLab platform throughout my application process. It was clear, intuitive, and genuinely helpful.

Additionally, I used the essay editing service to help refine and tighten my writing—especially when cutting down word count. It was super helpful and efficient!

Read More

June 15, 2025
whamidzadah

Joined: Jun 15, 2025

Posts: 0

Kudos: 0

Amazing platform!! Everything you need

REVIEWER IDENTITY VERIFIED by school email address [?]

Strengths:

Customer support, user friendly platform, encompasses every aspect of the pre MBA journey, essay and resume support

Would make the product better:

None

Maria and the ApplicantLab team/platform answered ALL of my questions. I truly would not have been able to get into all of the schools I did without it. I leaned on it heavily for all of my essays, resume strategy, and interview prep. It also does a great job of helping with school specific advice and provides clarity about what's most important to each school. It helped me get into Booth. Great for people who are self motivated, like having an on demand platform, and want to break into T20 schools. Nothing but great things to say. It's truly an all encompassing platform that answers all of your questions. Wont find better bang for your buck

Read More

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This reviewer has not participated on GMAT Club but it is a REAL person and a REAL review. GMAT Club has verified this test-taker's identity through GMAC/Pearson Vue Score Reporting system or .edu email address and confirmed that this reviewer indeed took the GMAT, is unique, and has not submitted multiple reviews.
June 02, 2025
gauraangb

Joined: Jun 02, 2025

Posts: 2

Kudos: 2

Admitted to Stanford and Harvard thanks to Applicant Lab

REVIEWER IDENTITY VERIFIED by school email address [?]

Strengths:

- Knowledgeable, in-depth, and engaging videos
- Very practical tools and exercises that guide you from start to end of the application process
- Solid advice and insights on schools from a person who very clearly knows what she's talking about

Would make the product better:

- UX is a bit outdated and can be enhanced with AI. Doesn't detract at all from the quality of advice though

I got into Harvard and Stanford with $$$ in Round 1 of 2024 and it's largely thanks to Applicant Lab. Using Applicant Lab was the best decision I made. Its modules contain pretty much all you need to craft a strong application. The videos are also fun to watch since the creator (Maria) is quite entertaining. What's great is Maria also keeps regularly updating the content (e.g., when essay prompts change). With Applicant Lab you shouldn't even need a pricey consultant - it's probably better than most of them. Feel free to use this promo code for 10% off: https://applicantlab.refr.cc/default/u/gauraangbiyani?s=esp&t=wa

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May 12, 2025
zpenwell

Joined: Aug 20, 2024

Posts: 0

Kudos: 0

Best Bang for the Buck!

REVIEWER IDENTITY VERIFIED by score report [?]

Strengths:

Very thorough and exhaustive. Easy to use and understand. Extremely practical and action focused.

Would make the product better:

Optionality on Executive MBA pathways.

This is an outstanding product that I would recommend to anyone. It was the most helpful overall tool I found in my MBA journey! It walks you through every step of crafting your personal and professional story in a way that speaks to admission committees. I think it was well worth it to pay the additional add on fees for personal reviews on essays. The feedback I received was brutally honest, but trustworthy, and ultimately that feedback made my application exponentially more coherent and powerful. I'm extremely grateful to Maria and her team for the services they provided, as I ultimately gained acceptance to my top choice!

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