I am confident I would not have had the same outcome if I had not worked with Rachel. As background, I went to a top non-Ivy, 3.7 GPA, 760 GMAT with 2 years IB, 3 years PE, and got accepted to both HBS and Wharton in Round 1.

Since I was only applying to / willing to attend three schools and have a relatively standard background, I was nervous about differentiating myself in the application. Off the bat, I knew Rachel was the type of consultant I needed. She is extremely organized and timely, giving me a clear idea of what to expect and guidance on how I should phase the different stages of the apps early on, which helped me stay on track.

Most importantly, Rachel gives feedback in a very straightforward and honest way, which I greatly appreciated. She clearly has knowledge on what works and what doesn't in an essay and spent a lot of time with me to figure out what to highlight, where to add specificity, and what I was better off leaving out. She allowed me to run through many, many iterations of my essays so that, by the time I finally submitted, I felt I had put my best foot forward. The support during and after interviews was also invaluable - from both Rachel and the broader Gatehouse team (Laura, Eric, and Marcus). I highly recommend working with Gatehouse, and Rachel specifically.

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Strengths:

I'll touch on these in the review, but Liza was incredibly helpful, knowledgeable, and passionate about helping me get into my dream school. The product was comprehensive and truly left no stone unturned.

Would make the product better:

There is really nothing I would improve, maybe just having the overall process begin earlier because of how expansive the application becomes.

As a mid-20s male with a background in investment banking and private equity, I was determined to take the next step in my career by pursuing an MBA. My academic credentials include a liberal arts degree from an HYP university, where I graduated with a 3.7 GPA, and a GRE score of 330. Despite my academic and professional experience, I knew the MBA application process would be rigorous, and I sought out Liza Weale at Gatehouse Admissions to guide me through it.

From the outset, Liza demonstrated a deep appreciation for my situation, understanding the demands of balancing a full-time job while preparing my applications. Together, we developed a strategic game plan to tackle each application systematically. Liza's investment in the process was evident as she left no stone unturned, ensuring every aspect of my application was polished and well-prepared.

One of the key components of our approach was the creation of an experience repository early on. This allowed us to identify and flesh out themes from my background and experiences that would resonate in my essays. We turned essay drafts several times, and each time, Liza never "mailed it in." She consistently provided constructive feedback, making it clear she spent significant time with each draft. Her insights pushed me to present my best form, ensuring that every essay was a true reflection of my capabilities and aspirations.

Beyond Liza’s exceptional support, the broader team at Gatehouse Admissions also played a crucial role in my journey. Their collective expertise and support were instrumental in my acceptance to Harvard Business School. I can confidently say that I could not have achieved this milestone without Liza and the remarkable team she has built at Gatehouse Admissions. Their dedication and professionalism are truly commendable.

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I entered the business school application process concerned that my vanilla background (both from a career and demographic perspective) would make it difficult to craft a unique application and moreover that there would be increased emphasis placed on my essays in light of similar scores among my peer-set. Gaining admission to one of my two target schools was also very important to me and I accordingly planned to dedicate material time to the process. Given the above, I researched and vetted a number of admissions consultants, focused on finding someone that would bring both creativity to the essay creation process and dedication to the scores of edits I knew I'd be looking for. I also wanted someone that had seen strong results working with candidates from "vanilla" industries (e.g., consulting, finance, investing). Eric was exactly what I was looking for.

As a bit more about my background in case helpful to readers, I applied in my 3rd year working in private equity (traditional Boston-based buyout shop) before which I worked for 3 years in consulting (I'll have had 6 years working prior to enrollment). I majored in economics, had a 3.8 undergrad GPA and a 780 GMAT score (old GMAT). And lastly, as mentioned earlier, I have a non-unique demographic background (white, male).

I'll keep this targeted and share my highlights in working with Eric:
- Deeply Familiar with the Application Objectives: I think this is the most important attribute to look for when deciding among admissions consultants. There are many individuals that are great writers/editors/mock interviews; however, a much smaller number of individuals are intimately familiar with the application steps and objectives. For example, who knew that HBS' "growth oriented" essay is just as much if not more so about showing one's ability to listen and internalize others' perspectives (and thus show one's ability to meaningfully contribute to case-based discussions) as it is about curiosity and personal growth? This was just one example of many when Eric showed his deep familiarity with the (not always apparent) application objectives, which in turn allowed me to tailor my app as much as possible accordingly.
- Creative & Strong Ability to Transform Experiences Into Narratives: I view Eric to be a strong thought partner and someone who produced a number of interesting ways to incorporate my many disparate experiences into cohesive essays. Given Eric had spent a decent amount of time internalizing all of my background experiences upfront, throughout the rest of our ideation sessions, he was able to reference and incorporate relevant experiences (often connections I personally hadn't made). This was very helpful in packing as much into what little word count you have as well as ensuring my overall application conveyed all of the disparate aspects of my life. Having a strong thought partner is essential and much harder to come by than someone who is simply a strong reviewer/editor.
- Very Strong Editor: However, on top of being a strong thought partner, Eric is also a very strong editor. I was incredibly impressed by his ability to condense my writing into the appropriate word count while keeping a very professional tone. His editing abilities are truly exceptional.
- Extremely Dedicated: At the end of my process, I counted all of my different versions across the 12 pieces I wrote (9 primary essays, 1 resume and 2 recommender memos), totaling 107 versions, each of which was reviewed carefully and commented on by Eric. That is some insane dedication!

In terms of the outcome, I was thrilled to have submitted what I felt was the best app I possibly could have assembled. It showcased a variety of experiences, which conveyed a multi-dimensional individual. And, at the same time, my app felt very authentic and genuine. In the end, I felt very proud of the app I created in partnership with Eric, and ultimately was accepted to my top choice - HBS - as part of the round 1 cycle! I was thrilled. Huge thanks to Eric for his massive effort as part of all of this!

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My Background: Mid-20s, white female. Two years investment banking, two years private equity. Graduated from Vanderbilt University with a B.S. in Human & Organizational Development and a 3.94 GPA. 730 GMAT. This was my second time applying—having tried 2+2 applications on my own during undergrad. Always aspiring to HBS, I knew I needed the best guidance possible for my reapplication, and Liza was the first (and only) consultant I called (recommended to me by several private equity colleagues). From our initial conversation, I knew she was the perfect fit. She genuinely wanted to understand who I was, what mattered to me, and how we could showcase my authentic story. Even before I officially signed up with her, she proactively suggested ways to strengthen my profile both inside and outside of work—a testament to her dedication and insight.

I have a particular way of working—I like to start well in advance, slowly chipping away at tasks to avoid ever feeling rushed or overwhelmed. I like putting things down and coming back to them with a fresh perspective, hence the need for significant lead time. Liza embraced this approach, beginning with me early in late March for Round 1 applications. She organized the process so clearly and methodically that I never felt like I was cramming or overburdened, spending just a few hours each week. Her structure kept me calm, focused, and confident throughout. I honestly could not have asked for a more seamless and “relaxed” MBA application process.

When it came to my essays, I initially felt paralyzed by the sheer volume of possibilities after completing my experience inventory. I was overwhelmed and unsure how to craft a cohesive story that tied everything together. Liza expertly guided me through the process, dedicating significant time to understanding my experiences and uncovering deeper layers of my story during our conversations. Her ability to identify themes and connections I hadn’t considered was remarkable, ensuring my application showcased my authentic self in the most compelling way. I was particularly anxious about HBS introducing new essay prompts this year, but Liza’s strategy put me at ease. She had me start with the GSB essays, which created a strong foundation and made transitioning to the HBS topics seamless. Despite widespread uncertainty among consultants about the new questions, Liza’s confidence and effectiveness stood out, enabling me to approach the essays with clarity and focus.

Working with Liza was hands down the best decision I made during this process. Her unwavering support, insightful guidance, and personalized approach were invaluable. More than just a consultant, Liza became a trusted partner and friend in what can often feel like an overwhelming journey. Between essay drafts, we bonded over our shared love of rescue animals and traveling, which made the experience genuinely enjoyable. I couldn’t be more thrilled with the outcome and am beyond excited to attend HBS this fall.

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My experience working with Eric was outstanding. Consistently throughout the application process, he re-oriented my focus on how best to address the admissions committee and application reviewer, nudging me with thoughtful questions designed to showcase my talents and experiences in the best light. For background, I grew up in the Midwest and attended a top 10 U.S. News university (think Duke, Northwestern, UPenn), where I majored in Economics. Upon graduation, I spent two years in investment banking and will have spent two years in private equity by B-school matriculation (fall 2025). I applied with a very strong GPA (4.0) and solid GMAT Focus (685-695). My biggest worry going into the application process was telling my “story” and being able to differentiate myself in a pool of superb candidates—I applied to HBS, Wharton, and Booth.

Eric brought tremendous thoughtfulness and engagement from the get-go, listening carefully to my background and figuring out how best to position myself to admissions. Given I’ve become numb to my own experiences, it’s easy to overlook something that may standout to a third-party. This is where Eric excels. He has you consider things that you may have overlooked, using them to better round you out as a candidate. This shows up time and time again during the essay writing process. Eric reviewed my writing, re-directing it as appropriate and offering recommendations to make it more concise and focused. During interview prep, Eric both supplied comprehensive materials and simulated an environment that mirrored what I experienced with my actual interviewers. Walking away from both my one-on-one and team-based interview, I felt as though both were incredibly additive to my application (rather than a check-the-box)—largely due to the rigorous prep provided by Eric.

Without question, I am blessed to have worked with Eric and credit him with much of the success experienced in the 2024-25 MBA application cycle (admitted to Booth and Wharton with significant scholarship).

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I approached Eric as a reapplicant for the HBS Class of 2027 after an unsuccessful attempt in the previous application cycle for the Class of 2026. As a traditional applicant (MBB background) with solid but average stats (Top LAC undergrad, 3.7 GPA in STEM, 740 GMAT) and a short time frame to reestablish my candidacy, I knew I needed a strategic edge to stand out in a hyper-competitive applicant pool. Eric proved to be that game-changing differentiator.

Eric’s dedication and creativity as an advisor were evident from the start. He conducted a meticulous review of my prior application, pinpointed the execution flaws, and developed a fresh strategy that highlighted untapped aspects of my profile. An example of Eric’s many creative contributions was identifying a major extracurricular activity I had begun in college and helping me reframe it into the centerpiece of my narrative. This became the foundation of a cohesive and compelling story that I wove through all my applications.

Eric’s thoroughness and commitment to excellence were unparalleled. During the essay writing process, he challenged every sentence I wrote to ensure it met the highest standards. His brainstorming sessions were invaluable in overcoming storytelling roadblocks, and he was instrumental in refining my resume and devising a robust recommender strategy. When it came to interview prep, Eric was proactive, consistently checking in, and providing fresh insights to enhance my preparation.

In the end, I was admitted to my dream school, HBS, in R1—just nine months after my initial rejection. Eric was the true difference-maker in this journey, and I can’t recommend working with Eric highly enough.

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Eric was great to work with over the past few months and I'd highly recommend him to others that may be considering applying to top MBA programs and are looking for support differentiating themselves in their applications. I come from a finance background and felt that my GPA (3.8+) and GRE (168Q/162V) may be competitive alongside my work experience but was concerned that my "story" may not be as compelling as others applying to top MBA programs (I applied to Booth and Kellogg). Eric's assistance with the essay writing portion of the application was particularly helpful, as he was able to help me outline the key ideas I wanted to focus on, bring out the most important qualities and traits that illustrated the strength of my candidacy, while still maintaining the personal feel of the writing so the reader could get a true sense of who I was. He made my writing much more concise and direct, so it was easier to follow. After submitting the applications, Eric also was very helpful with my interview prep. We walked through many different types of questions I might encounter, so I was extremely well prepared for the interviews. As a result, I thought my interviews were a particularly strong component of my application and I believe the key driver behind the scholarship I was able to receive. With Eric's support and guidance, I was fortunate to be admitted to both Booth and Kellogg with meaningful scholarship!

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Eric is a candid and meticulous consultant. I am an engineer and have been in the industry for around 10 years. My GMAT score (700+) and GPA (range 3.5 - 4.0) were satisfactory, but I had a unique plan distinct from other applicants. Eric empathetically considered my perspective, offering constructive feedback, whether positive or negative. Throughout the application process, he meticulously reviewed every aspect, from essay writing to transcript submission, ensuring thoroughness. His insights included valuable suggestions I hadn't considered, and he maintained punctuality, returning my essays and emails promptly. Eric was consistently reliable for any inquiries, from application strategies to MBA program selection. I applied for two top 5 schools (u.s news ranking) and got into both! It would be impossible for me to land two dream schools without his professional consultation. I wholeheartedly recommend his services!

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Marcus was incredible to work with and an absolutely essential part of my application success.

I graduated from a top 20 undergrad with a 3.1 GPA and earned a 760 GMAT. Work experience in finance and tech. I applied to Booth, Columbia, Sloan, and Wharton.

For each school I was applying to, Marcus provided a comprehensive list of deliverables I would have to complete, which was extremely helpful for me in getting organized.

I cannot say enough about how much Marcus helped me on the essays. He provided detailed feedback on every aspect from topic selection, narrative structure, what examples to use, and even cutting out words to reach word count. He reviewed 5+ drafts for many of the essays, and the final products were night and day from when I started. Being able to bounce ideas and drafts off of Marcus was a lifesaver, especially for the open-ended prompts like Booth’s “Tell us something about who you are.” As the deadlines approached, Marcus went above and beyond in giving me lots of meaningful same-day essay feedback.

Marcus also gave me great prep for interviews by doing a full-length mock interview for each school for which I received an interview. Additionally, Gatehouse has lots of in-house interview prep material that was very helpful.

When I got waitlisted at Booth, Marcus gave me incredibly helpful advice on what I could do to stand out. He reviewed my supplemental materials and video and brought to my attention Booth’s “Shape the Class” endorsement letters, which are sort of an open secret but which I may have missed altogether without him.

On a personal level, Marcus has an effective style that balances support with tough feedback. He did not hesitate to (wisely) tell me I needed to entirely scrap some essay drafts, but also gave me confidence boosts through our interview prep. I was initially a tiny bit hesitant about the time zones with Marcus being in Sweden, but it actually worked great because he could review stuff while I was asleep, and he was flexible in finding time for calls. His background in entrepreneurship also helped me frame my own entrepreneurial goals in my application.

I ended up getting interviews at Booth, Columbia, and Wharton. I got accepted at Columbia, with a $50k merit scholarship, as well as Booth. I ultimately chose Booth for fit reasons.

There is no way I would have gotten accepted at two M7 schools (one with scholarship) without Marcus’s support. I cannot recommend him highly enough.

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I had an amazing experience working with Rachel throughout the MBA application process, and I could not recommend her, or Gatehouse Admissions, enough.

For context on my background, I am a white female with a 3.8 GPA from a top liberal arts undergraduate college, 750 GMAT, and 4 years work experience in Private Equity. I was accepted to HBS and waitlisted at GSB.

I was introduced to Gatehouse by a friend and colleague who had amazing things to say about the team. I was matched with Rachel Nelson and was immediately sold after our introductory call – even in our first call Rachel understood my background, provided thoughtful advice on ways to boost my resume ahead of applications (e.g., additional extra-curriculars), and shared perspectives on the application processes across the schools I was considering (even ones I was officially hiring her for).

Our first step of the process was to fill out an "Experience Inventory" which was a very thorough (10+ pg) word document detailing my background from childhood, through academics, extra curriculars, work experience, and personal/professional goals. This was an amazing exercise both for Rachel to get caught up to speed on my background, and for me to clearly outline all of my experiences and identify common threads which could help craft a powerful story in my essays. During our next session Rachel came with a list of themes she'd noticed and potential areas for me to focus on in my essays – her brainstorming style was perfect in providing helpful suggestions, while always keeping me in the driver's seat of creation and the direction my essays would take. In the essay drafting stages her reviews are incredibly thorough and she was always transparent with timing commitments which made it easy to work together. She was a perfectionist in the best way possible, making sure we were using the word count to its fullest and never losing sight of how my essays, resume, and short answers all wove together into a comprehensive application.

Her interview prep thoughtfully started with "general interview" preparation and then offered advice and materials targeted to specific schools - this structure demonstrating her expertise and experience working with the different school's admissions styles. Her feedback was pointed and specific, which gave me very focused areas to work on.

Rachel was an amazing thought partner throughout the entire process, and overall, just a great person – I could not recommend her enough!

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