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Product Gatehouse Admissions Consulting
Consultant Eric Hollowaty
Working with Eric was one of the best decisions I made during my MBA application process. As an engineering graduate with a second upper honor degree from a global top 50 university, I initially felt unsure about how to position myself in the competitive MBA admissions landscape. Eric’s guidance was instrumental in helping me identify my unique strengths and connecting my profile to each school’s distinct strengths.
What set Eric apart was his ability to add value in very specific ways:
He helped me refine my career goals and connect my engineering experience to my post-MBA aspirations in a way that felt authentic yet ambitious. Eric challenged me to think deeper. One of my essays went through multiple iterations, and each time, his feedback sharpened my reflections and made it more impactful.
Thanks to Eric’s support, I was admitted to CBS. I wholeheartedly recommend him to applicants, especially those with non-traditional backgrounds who need help translating their strengths into a compelling MBA application. His expertise and encouragement made all the difference!
Product Gatehouse Admissions Consulting
Consultant Eric Hollowaty
I approached Eric late in the Round 2 application cycle, unsure if I could pull everything together in under two months. As a traditional applicant (white male in consulting/finance/investments) I was also concerned about how to differentiate myself in such a competitive pool. My background included a 3.8+ GPA from a non-target school and a 640–650 GMAT Focus score.
From the very first conversation, Eric was very effective. He quickly assessed my situation, understood the challenges I faced, and helped me focus on the most impactful aspects of my background. Instead of trying to fit me into a one-size-fits-all template, Eric worked with me to highlight the unique elements of my story. He helped me craft a narrative that felt both authentic and distinctive, which was crucial for overcoming the overrepresented aspects of my profile.
Eric’s approach was incredibly structured and goal-oriented, which helped me stay focused and efficient, even with the limited time we had. His feedback was always timely and actionable, allowing me to refine my essays without feeling overwhelmed. Rather than giving me generic advice, Eric pushed me to think critically about how to present my experiences in a way that would resonate with admissions committees. He encouraged me to dig deeper, ensuring my writing reflected my true voice while also making sure I was addressing each program’s unique values and priorities.
What truly set Eric apart was his ability to make the process feel manageable, even with the tight deadlines. He kept me on track with regular check-ins and deadlines, and his strategic insights helped me strengthen every part of my application. Whether it was refining my essays, preparing for interviews, or tackling the application forms, Eric’s guidance was invaluable at every stage.
As a result of Eric’s support, I was admitted to both of the M7 MBA programs I applied to, earning significant scholarships from each. I’m confident that his expertise played a major role in making my application stand out. If you’re looking for someone who can help you refine your narrative, keep you on track under pressure, and present your best self to admissions committees, Eric is a fantastic partner throughout the process.
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Product Gatehouse Admissions Consulting
Consultant Eric Hollowaty
As an applicant to HBS and GSB with a very “traditional” background on paper (Ivy League undergrad with high GPA and GMAT scores, followed by IB at a top bank, followed by large-cap PE), I knew that, although my application would be taken seriously by top programs, I would also be contrasted against a very competitive peer group. Therefore, I needed to be very focused on how I could stand out as a unique applicant.
I spoke with several consultants before Eric, but he immediately stood out in our very first conversation. I felt he had a deep understanding of the issues I faced as an applicant from an overrepresented pool. His level of financial expertise, as a former industry practitioner, was evident from the first minute we spoke. This enabled us to have a deep conversation about my specific goals (for example, different types of PE strategies I was interested in pursuing longer-term) that simply would not have been possible with other consultants. Just from that first meeting—which I’d encourage anyone to take with Eric—I left with new essay ideas that I may have otherwise never contemplated. Eric’s initial thoughts on my positioning as a candidate, including pointing out what he thought could be unique differentiators for me, also made it clear that he had plentiful experience working with candidates with my background.
Gatehouse Admissions (the agency through which I worked with Eric) does charge a premium for its services relative to most other consulting firms. This was top of mind as I considered whether to work with Eric. Ultimately, given the competitive nature of the schools I was applying to (Harvard and Stanford), and knowing several coworkers from my fund who were not accepted despite strong credentials, I decided the premium price was worthwhile for the peace of mind of getting the best possible advice.
I had a fairly long lead time to work on applications, so I ended up working closely with Eric for around seven months. Throughout that period, he exceeded my expectations in all respects.
In our initial discussions about my background, experiences, and interests, I had an initial view of how to present these qualities to the admissions committees—a view that, in hindsight, would not have been differentiated enough. Like many consultants, Eric took the time to understand my initial perspectives. However, he then pushed me to go a level deeper in terms of my motivations, helping me unearth anecdotes I likely would have never otherwise reflected on. One of these anecdotes, which I first mentioned to him offhand without thinking much of it, ended up being featured prominently in my Why Stanford essay after he helped me see how it tied together many other aspects of my story. Another such story became the basis for one of my HBS essays.
When it came time to draft essays, I benefited tremendously from Eric’s feedback. He is not afraid to tell you when an essay needs serious work, but conversely, his excitement is contagious when an essay hits the mark. As someone with a tendency to overthink, knowing that Eric would give me honest, well-informed feedback on every single draft helped me feel comfortable moving on to the next essay rather than continuing to ponder or rework essays that were already of high quality. With a consultant that I did not have as much trust in, I may have continued to iterate. However, because I knew that when Eric told me an essay was “done,” it was actually done, I finished the bulk of my application a month before the deadline, saving me from the major stress I saw other applicants go through in August.
Beyond the formal application tasks within the scope of Eric’s services, he also gave me great advice on topics more tangential to my application. For example, there were a couple of recent instances where I had a choice between different projects I could pursue, and I appreciated Eric’s willingness to offer his opinion on how each could potentially be featured in my application. I don’t think many other consultants would have offered this input with such generosity given that some of my questions may not have technically fallen within Eric’s agreed scope of work, so I greatly appreciated his help.
I was ultimately admitted to both Harvard and Stanford, and I absolutely believe that Eric’s help was a key factor in that outcome. I’m thrilled with the quality of service I received from him and the entire Gatehouse team, and I’ve since recommended other associates at my fund to Eric because I’m confident they’ll have the same positive experience.
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Product Gatehouse Admissions Consulting
Consultant Eric Hollowaty
Working with Eric was an exceptional experience in all ways. I was initially a bit hesitant to make the $$ plunge, but after just a few hours together I was confident that both the time and money spend would be completely worth it. Throughout the process, Eric made me a better writer, storyteller, and communicator - skills that will benefit me throughout my career. I felt incredibly fortunate to work with Eric, and this sentiment was only amplified by my outcomes in December when I was admitted to both Stanford and Harvard - 2/2 schools I worked on with Eric!
In my view, Eric shines the most in essay advice, storytelling, and executive presence. I would come to him with a somewhat fleshed out idea, and he would instantly have ideas as to how make it even stronger. His ability to help bring a story to life is truly unique. His feedback allowed me to identify which parts of a story needed more detail and which could be consolidated or jettisoned entirely. As deadlines approached, he also helped me word smith my essays to meet those tricky word count limits. Additionally, I utilized his feedback on S/H when applying to several other schools where I was also admitted with substantial and/or full scholarships; I'm not sure I would have received such fortunate outcomes had I not worked with Eric.
Eric was always honest; he wasn't afraid to tell me when something was missing the mark. I viewed Eric's honesty as an extremely important quality, as his candor in situations in which I wasn't meeting expectations allowed me to trust him when he said something was "great" as well. He was always attentive and reliable, and I felt confident that he was "on it" throughout the process.
Lastly, on a personal note, I always looked forward to my meetings with Eric. He is incredibly kind and thoughtful, and he made the process meaningful and fun. I would strongly, strongly recommend working with Eric to anyone I know!
For context on my background: white female working in finance, non-Ivy undergrad in U.S., 4.0 GPA, 760 GMAT, strong leadership and extracurricular experiences across college + work + outside of work
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Product Gatehouse Admissions Consulting
Consultant Eric Hollowaty
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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Product Gatehouse Admissions Consulting
Consultant Eric Hollowaty
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).
Product Gatehouse Admissions Consulting
Consultant Eric Hollowaty
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.
Product Gatehouse Admissions Consulting
Consultant Eric Hollowaty
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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Product Gatehouse Admissions Consulting
Consultant Eric Hollowaty
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!
Product Gatehouse Admissions Consulting
Consultant Eric Hollowaty
Eric's coaching and essay comments helped me gain admission into the Booth, Haas, and Anderson part-time MBA programs. I leave very impressed with MBAMission, including my initial 30 minute consultation. I chose to go with Eric because his background in investment research aligned with my goals in pursuing an MBA. From the beginning, Eric offered me very direct and detailed advice. My initial goal was to get into a full-time program, but Eric helped me see that a part-time program was likely a better fit for my ultimate goals.
While he was ultimately spot-on with this initial advice, he fully supported me in pursuing both full-time programs and part-time programs. He pushed me to quickly network with current students at all the schools I applied to, which was invaluable, and helped me brainstorm my approach. I started the process later than is advisable, but Eric told me exactly the themes I needed to communicate in my application and essays. He helped me brainstorm my strategy for approaching writers of my letters of recommendation and prepare for interviews. In the essays, he did not tell me what to write, but instead coached me on what I needed to get across (proven leadership experience, fit with the programs, etc). Eric worked with me to bring out the very best of my story. His comments challenged me to either think more critically about an element of my story, explicitly make a link I wasn't making, or edit out unnecessary detail. The final applications encapsulated an excellent summary of me and my value proposition to the programs.
I chose hourly services because I felt comfortable with a transactional relationship, and given my time constraints, wasn't sure I would get value out of a package. Eric was very efficient with my purchased time. I feel like I received a great value, and found his help invaluable in gaining admission to three programs. Eric also helped me learn how to sell myself better, which I think will payoff for me in many other areas of life and career.