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Hourly Consulting Services Reviews

 
 Fortuna Admissions
Hourly Consulting
Advisory services from Fortuna Admissions on an hourly basis, to help you focus on specific areas of the MBA admissions process that require expert input.

Start with a free 30-min consultation .

5.0 /5 Average Rating
5 star
169
4 star
0
3 star
0
2 star
0
1 star
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Based on 169 reviews

AI Super-Summary of Customer Reviews for Hourly Consulting Services*

The samples highlight exceptional experiences with various MBA admissions consultants, who each provided personalized, supportive, and strategic advice to applicants. Reviews praise consultants like Heidi, Emma, Melissa, and others for their deep understanding of the admissions process and ability to help applicants craft compelling narratives, resulting in admissions to top MBA programs and scholarships. Attributes such as empathy, detailed feedback, and dedication to clients' success stand out, demonstrating the value of investing in thoughtful guidance to navigate the MBA application process successfully. Many reviewers express gratitude for their consultants' personal commitment and the confidence gained throughout their journeys.
11 users mention "Supportive"
  • "always being supportive and helping me believe in myself..." Read more
  • "took the time to get to know me..." Read more
  • "helping me focus on the most important parts..." Read more
  • "She was very kind and supportive along the way..." Read more
  • "constant source of encouragement and support..." Read more
  • "insightful, encouraging, responsive..." Read more
  • "Melissa genuinely believes in the candidates she works with..." Read more
  • "encouraging suggestions/support throughout the process..." Read more
  • "generous with her time..." Read more
  • "kindness, compassion, and support along the way..." Read more
  • "step of the way, offering invaluable advice, encouragement..." Read more
7 users mention "Admitted"
  • "helped me get into my top choice school..." Read more
  • "not only did I get accepted..." Read more
  • "Got into both GSB and HBS..." Read more
  • "getting me over the line and securing offers from all 3 schools..." Read more
  • "got into a variety of M7 and T10 schools..." Read more
  • "help secure a position into a top 10 EMBA program..." Read more
  • "successfully applied to my dream school..." Read more
2 users mention "Responsive"
  • "incredibly responsive (even by private equity standards)..." Read more
  • "always available and very prompt..." Read more
2 users mention "Time Management"
  • "she did not press me for time..." Read more
  • "speed and flexibility that the hourly consulting services provided..." Read more
2 users mention "Essay Editing"
  • "suggestions for my essays and interview practice..." Read more
  • "advising on essay structure..." Read more
1 users mention "Detail-Oriented"
  • "Heidi provided thoughtful guidance every step of the way..." Read more
1 users mention "Interview Prep"
  • "When it came time for interview prep, she was invaluable..." Read more
1 users mention "Non-traditional Backgrounds"
  • "a non-traditional applicant with a government background..." Read more
1 users mention "Scholarship Awarded"
  • "but I received a scholarship as well..." Read more
1 users mention "Europe MBA Programs"
  • "expertise in all things related to INSEAD..." Read more
1 users mention "Non-traditional Backgrounds"
  • "his background assisting minority communities..." Read more
1 users mention "Top-Tier School Focus"
  • "the only program I applied to - LBS Sloan..." Read more
1 users mention "Value for Money"
  • "high cost of admissions consulting..." Read more
*Review summaries are AI generated from 25 latest reviews in the past 2 years.
October 26, 2025
dschoch90

Joined: Oct 26, 2025

Posts: 0

Kudos: 0

Hire Sharon if you want to achieve your MBA goals

REVIEWER IDENTITY VERIFIED by school email address [?]

Strengths:

Subject matter expertise, relevant professional experience, helpful in keeping me accountable through the admissions process

Would make the product better:

N/A

Throughout a complicated and emotionally taxing application process, Sharon was there for me every step of the way. She is exceptionally knowledgable and gave me the confidence that every edit we made to my application materials was something that would move the needle positively in my favor. Maybe even more importantly, she was there to listen and calm my anxiety when things got stressful. Now, I'm attending a T15 school and find myself with opportunities I couldn't have imagined 12 months ago. Hire Sharon, listen to everything she has to say, and you will achieve whatever your goals are when it comes to pursuing your MBA.

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July 02, 2025
Cdwareham3

Joined: Jul 02, 2025

Posts: 0

Kudos: 0

Improved Every Aspect of my Application

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From my very first interactions with Fortuna and Bill Kooser, I was impressed by the professionalism and unique perspective he brought to the MBA admissions process. I already had a strong network of friends—many of whom had attended or were currently attending nearly all of the M7 schools I was applying to (including my older brother)—and I was initially on the fence whether I even needed additional support. However, after one conversation with Bill, it became clear that he would add significant value to my application.
Bill's strategic guidance across every aspect of the application process was incredibly helpful, but the two areas where I feel he had the greatest impact were essay development and interview preparation. While I felt that my early essay drafts and mock interviews were solid, Bill’s thoughtful insights and targeted feedback helped elevate my materials substantially. His advice enabled me to refine my narrative and deliver a much more polished and compelling version of my story—one that I simply don’t believe I could have achieved on my own.
Even during the hectic Round 2 deadline period, Bill was impressively responsive and provided quick, thoughtful turnarounds on reviews, as well as being available to talk through questions and strategy whenever needed.
In the end, I applied to six schools (Wharton, Sloan, Kellogg, CBS, Booth, and Yale SOM), received interview invitations from all six, and was ultimately accepted to Booth, CBS, and Yale SOM. I found working with Bill to be incredibly valuable and even fun at times in an otherwise stressful application process. I would enthusiastically recommend him to anyone navigating the MBA admissions process—even those who already feel confident in their understanding. I feel his guidance truly made a difference in my outcome.

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April 09, 2025
TheCalmLad

Joined: May 15, 2018

Posts: 1

Kudos: 0

Your search for the worlds best MBA consultant ends here!

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Strengths:

This product is perfect for someone who is short on time like I was.

Would make the product better:

Absolutely nothing, everything was fabulous.

After an initial call with Matt, one of the founders of Fortuna, I was absolutely sold on working with their team. His sharp wit and sense of humor instantly put me at ease, and his insights gave me complete confidence in Fortuna’s approach. From there, working with Emma exceeded every expectation.

I can’t imagine going through the MBA application process without Emma by my side. She was more than a consultant—she was a coach, a sounding board, and a true partner in the journey. Thanks to her, I was admitted to a top 10 program, and I can confidently say I wouldn’t have gotten there without her.

What sets Emma apart is how deeply she invests in her clients. From our first conversation, she made it a point to truly understand me—not just my resume or goals, but the “why” behind them. That foundation helped us craft an application that felt not only compelling, but deeply personal and authentic.

Emma has a rare gift for balancing encouragement with direct, honest feedback. She pushed me to dig deeper when answers felt too surface-level and didn’t hesitate to ask the tough questions that made my essays stronger. And her attention to detail is unmatched—she wasn’t just focused on the big-picture story; she was right there in the trenches with me, reworking transitions, polishing phrasing, and making sure every word counted.

One of the moments that really stood out: Emma made time for me even while she was on holiday. That level of commitment is extraordinary. Even on weekends, she’d get back to me within a couple of hours, which made it possible to iterate quickly and keep momentum when deadlines were tight.

She’s fast, thoughtful, and endlessly supportive. Working with Emma made the entire experience not only manageable, but genuinely meaningful. If you’re lucky enough to work with her, take it—you’ll be in the best hands possible.

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April 03, 2025
bernardotibe

Joined: Apr 03, 2025

Posts: 0

Kudos: 0

Outstanding; vital for my admission to Stanford GSB

REVIEWER IDENTITY VERIFIED by score report [?]

Strengths:

Emma was an absolutely fantastic coach. As an applicant for the Stanford MSx program with a less conventional background (Science PhD), I needed a coach who could make my story ressonate with the admissions committee in the best way possible and Emma's support was vital for my admission into the Stanford MSx programme.

We worked under tight deadlines, and Emma's guidance on which steps to prioritize were very helpful. Moreover, the instructions to my referees were excellent. Emma is a brillian communicator and her feedback on my essays really helped position my story for success.

I strongly recommend Emma as a coach. Her proactiveness, positive energy (she really helped raise my confidence levels), structured and organized approach, were vital for my sucesss. Her flexbility comes through not only in terms of the candidate background, but also in terms of geography, as she can help applicants to both European and American schools.

Would make the product better:

Nothing that I can think of.

Emma was an absolutely fantastic coach. As an applicant for the Stanford MSx program with a less conventional background (Science PhD), I needed a coach who could make my story ressonate with the admissions committee in the best way possible and Emma's support was vital for my admission into the Stanford MSx programme.

We worked under tight deadlines, and Emma's guidance on which steps to prioritize were very helpful. Moreover, the instructions to my referees were excellent. Emma is a brillian communicator and her feedback on my essays really helped position my story for success.

I strongly recommend Emma as a coach. Her proactiveness, positive energy (she really helped raise my confidence levels), structured and organized approach, were vital for my sucesss. Her flexbility comes through not only in terms of the candidate background, but also in terms of geography, as she can help applicants to both European and American schools.

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April 01, 2025
agrans

Joined: Mar 27, 2025

Posts: 0

Kudos: 0

reapplicant - HBS admit

REVIEWER IDENTITY VERIFIED by school email address [?]

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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March 21, 2025
kotaro0611

Joined: Jun 22, 2024

Posts: 0

Kudos: 0

Got into INSEAD thanks to Melissa

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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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February 25, 2025
AnonymousGMAT06

Joined: Feb 25, 2025

Posts: 0

Kudos: 0

Above-and-beyond support

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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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January 20, 2025
alb2

Joined: May 28, 2024

Posts: 0

Kudos: 0

Verified GMAT Classic score:
730 Q45 V46 (Online)

Strongly recommend Sharon Joyce!

REVIEWER IDENTITY VERIFIED by score report [?]

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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January 19, 2025
aar6

Joined: Sep 18, 2023

Posts: 0

Kudos: 0

Highly Recommend Working With Michel!

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I had a fantastic experience working with Michel and would highly recommend her! I worked with her on an hourly basis for applications to 5 schools. Michel is very knowledgeable about the MBA application process and helped me craft a thoughtful and authentic story. I found her to be incredibly helpful with essay revisions. She provided valuable insights on how I could tailor my essays to each school and helped me elevate my personal stories to a higher level. She was incredibly supportive throughout the entire process and always made herself available. I ended up getting into 4 out of the 5 schools I applied to, all with significant scholarship money, and was waitlisted at the 5th school. I am so happy I worked with Michel - it was absolutely worth it!

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November 15, 2024
illuminatiaf

Joined: Jul 20, 2020

Posts: 1

Kudos: 1

Verified GMAT Classic score:
750 Q48 V45

Admitted to Top MBA program

REVIEWER IDENTITY VERIFIED by score report [?]

Strengths:

Flexibility and know-how of the admissions consultant

Would make the product better:

-

I engaged with Melissa to finalise and fine-tune my applications to INSEAD, Columbia and LBS. As I was already very far in the process, I was more looking for fine-tuning and information from the admissions perspective on my essays, CV and shorter information fields.
I was very happy with the service that was provided and especially also with the speed and flexibility that the hourly consulting services provided. In total, I was able to specifically adapt my CV and essays with further, stronger information and practiced both video and regular interviews in the lead-up. While my personal return was perhaps slightly lower than it could have been due to the standard already being relatively high, I was very pleased with the standard of care, thoroughness and especially peace of mind I got through being able to talk the application through with an expert.

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