My process was a little atypical. For those of you starting later in the cycle out there – I began my applications in earnest with two weeks to go before R2 deadlines. Despite juggling full-package clients, Heidi was very accomodating of my last-minute hourly request and came in clutch with rapid turnarounds on succinct and loaded feedback (the best kind) – I think I wrote 4 drafts of one school’s essays in as many days.

Greatest value-add: I consider myself a pretty good writer, but striking the narrative balance between the deeply personal and the professional is something very few people can manage on a short, high-pressure timeline. Heidi has that Spidey-sense and communicates it clearly.

I put my best foot forward because of Heidi. Highly recommend.

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Strengths:

Works great for someone who's looking for an in depth analysis and road mapping for a successful MBA application

Would make the product better:

N/A

As an applicant from an overrepresented background, I knew standing out was critical. Patty was instrumental in helping me craft an authentic and compelling narrative during my HBS and GSB applications, providing strategic insights that sharpened my story. Her guidance also played a key role in my successful Berkeley Haas application, where I was admitted. Patty’s deep understanding of the admissions process, personalized feedback, and ability to bring out my unique strengths made all the difference. I truly appreciate her support and highly recommend her to anyone looking for expert MBA admissions advice to maximize their chances of success.

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Strengths:

Very responsible coach with deep experience and great listening skills to elevate your story

Would make the product better:

N/A

I was quite stressed when I decided to apply for an MBA just one month before the round’s deadline. I needed a trusted advisor who could eliminate the guesswork in how to best represent myself—someone with both experience and my best interests at heart. I was very fortunate to meet Pete, who turned out to be exactly that and more, ultimately helping me gain admission to two of the three schools I applied to (Berkeley and UCLA).

Given my short timeline, Pete was an incredibly responsible and calming presence. He helped me set clear priorities and efficiently navigate school selection, recommender preparation, and the crafting of my essays and résumé—all without compromising thoroughness or attention to detail. I particularly appreciated his relentless effort in iterating on my essays and résumé. Every time I sent him materials for review, he didn’t just focus on the latest updates; he reread everything carefully to incorporate new perspectives and ensure consistency. His professionalism also kept me accountable, pushing me to submit only my best work throughout this intense process. Additionally, Pete proactively involved other consultants with specific expertise in certain schools or areas, providing invaluable additional feedback. I’m also incredibly grateful for his flexibility—he made himself available on weekends and holidays to promptly address my questions and requests as the deadline approached.

What pleasantly surprised me about working with Pete was his ability to listen deeply and work with my existing materials with both respect and expertise. Like many applicants, I found that my application stories became quite personal and vulnerable at times. Pete’s thoughtful approach made me feel comfortable sharing my experiences, and his deep admissions expertise helped me identify the stories that best represented me while staying true to myself.

By the end of my process with Pete, every word in my application felt like me—just at my very best. This became a grounding force throughout my application journey, helping me stay confident despite the overwhelming noise online about what schools are looking for. It also proved invaluable during interviews, where candidates and their stories truly come to life for schools.

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Strengths:

Great platform for students, lots of good research, great set of consultants to offer views on resumes, interviews, essays.

Would make the product better:

NA

10/10 performance, I'm so glad I used Fortuna as my consultants. I connected with Fortuna at the start of my admission process and was nothing but impressed. I used Emma Bond, who was incredibly qualified in her understanding of schools in Europe, which was exactly the location I was targeting. Through her expertise, I was able to secure admission in all 3 top tier Europe MBA programs which I had applied to. Super impressed, and really really happy with the services provided by Fortuna as a whole. I would highly recommend that students look to Fortuna for consultancy services in the future. Consultancy is not cheap, but is worth it in the end.

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Strengths:

Very comprehensive

Would make the product better:

nothing

My consultant coach was absolutely amazing. Sharon provided me with invaluable advice and insights that I wouldn’t have fully grasped as a foreign applicant. She took the time to understand my background, strengths, and aspirations, helping me shape my thoughts and express them in a clear, compelling, and impactful way. Her expertise and personalized guidance significantly improved my application, making my story more cohesive and persuasive. I truly appreciated her attention to detail and strategic approach, which gave me greater confidence throughout the admissions process.
I highly recommend working with Fortuna and Sharon! Again, many thanks for everything. I learned a lot on myself throughout the process.

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​I had the privilege of working with Melissa as my MBA interview coach during my application process, and I am thrilled to share that, thanks to her exceptional guidance, I was accepted into INSEAD. Melissa's deep understanding of the admissions landscape, particularly her experience of working at INSEAD, provided invaluable insights that were instrumental in my success.
Her online coaching sessions were meticulously tailored to my personalities, helping me to articulate my experiences and aspirations effectively. Melissa's constructive feedback and strategic advice not only enhanced my interview skills but also boosted my confidence throughout the process. I wholeheartedly recommend Melissa to anyone seeking a dedicated and insightful MBA interview coach.

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Judith Hodara goes above-and-beyond in her role as an MBA advisor. In our three hours together, she took the time to really understand my background and goals, and as she read my essays, she helped me draw out the most compelling ideas and stories I had shared. She is candid and quick to respond, which I really appreciated since I started my applications very late. More than anything, Judith authentically cares. After I was admitted to my dream school, Judith continued to provide valuable advice on next steps. Highly, highly recommend working with her or others on the Fortuna team.

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Strengths:

Deep school knowledge
Many years of experience
Storytelling

I loved working with Julie! She is so knowledgeable about the programs I was interested in and is incredible at storytelling. I trusted her opinion and felt comfortable asking her any question. I paid for the comprehensive package and she worked with me to create a schedule that tailored my needs and was always willing to meet or answers questions ad hoc. I also appreciated that she looked to her peers at Fortuna who were experts about Kellogg / Booth for additional advice / reviews of my application. She helped me get into both Kellogg and Booth with a combined scholarship of over $200,000!

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Working with Mel has been a transformative experience. Her coaching style is refreshingly direct and personalized. She invests time in understanding your unique story and aspirations, which allows her to provide tailored, insightful guidance.
What sets Mel apart is her unwavering commitment to bringing out the best in her clients. She's not afraid to challenge you or point out areas that need improvement, always with the goal of elevating your application to its highest potential. Her feedback is clear and actionable, striking a perfect balance between providing direction and encouraging independent thought.
Mel's approach pushed me out of my comfort zone in the most productive ways. She didn't spoon-feed answers but rather guided me to discover my own strengths and articulate them compellingly. This process led me to produce some of my finest writing in years, particularly in my essays.
Her method is not just about crafting a strong application; it's about self-discovery and personal growth. Mel's coaching helped me uncover aspects of my experiences and skills that I hadn't fully appreciated before, allowing me to present a more authentic and impactful version of myself.
I credit Mel for not only improving my application but also for enhancing my self-awareness and communication skills. Her influence extends beyond the application process – the insights gained through our work together will continue to benefit me in my professional journey. For anyone seeking a coach who will truly invest in your success and push you to reach your full potential, Mel is an outstanding choice. Her guidance has been invaluable, and I'm deeply grateful for her role in my application journey and final acceptance into INSEAD EMBA. Thank you Mel!

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I cannot recommend Sharon highly enough! Thanks to her expert guidance, I was admitted to four out of the five MBA programs I applied to—including Harvard.

From the very beginning, Sharon’s deep expertise and strategic insights were invaluable. As someone with a somewhat untraditional background, I was initially unsure how my story would resonate with top business schools. Sharon not only helped me craft a compelling and authentic narrative but also gave me the confidence to present my best self. Sharon's expertise especially came through when we brainstormed how to approach the essays for each school based on her knowledge of these programs and my story.

Beyond her strategic expertise, Sharon was a constant source of support. She answered all my questions—big and small—and provided reassurance during moments of doubt. She celebrated every interview invite with me, helped me prepare those, and shared the excitement for each acceptance.

I’m incredibly grateful for Sharon’s guidance and unwavering encouragement throughout this journey. If you’re looking for an MBA consultant with exceptional experience and a true passion for helping applicants succeed, I wholeheartedly recommend her!

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