I came into the cycle with a background that spanned finance, tech operations, and medical device R&D. My stats were solid but not in the top percentiles. My undergrad GPAs ranged from 3.6 to 3.9 across two top-20 universities, and I had a 720 GMAT. I planned to apply to both MBA and JD/MBA programs but wasn’t sure how competitive I’d be, especially for the JD/MBA programs which are known for small cohort sizes and dual-admissions hurdles. At one point, I seriously questioned whether I should even apply.

From the start, Eric helped me make sense of everything. He understood the different chapters of my career and helped me see how they actually fit together. When I shared my doubts about applying to a JD/MBA program I really wanted, he didn’t hesitate and encouraged me to go for it. That kind of confidence was exactly what I needed along the journey of school applications. It can be an overwhelming process at times and having someone that is in your corner rooting you on makes all the difference.

Eric has a real gift for finding the through-line in your story and helping you communicate it clearly and concisely while keeping your unique voice. Given how tight essay word limits are, this made a huge difference. His edits were specific, thoughtful, and always honest. When something wasn’t working, he told me directly; when the writing clicked, he acknowledged that too. It was the right mix of tough love and encouragement which was especially helpful for someone like me who doesn’t consider writing a strong suit.

Whether it was talking through doubts or tightening essays before deadlines, he consistently showed up. He checked in before and after submitting applications, interviews, and decision days, and it always felt like he genuinely had my back.

In the end, I was admitted to several M7 MBA programs, including Harvard Business School, and to a top 5 JD/MBA program with over $100K in scholarship funding. Eric’s guidance played a major role in that outcome for which I'm immensely grateful.

If I had to go through the application process all over again, I would choose to work with Eric every time!

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Eric was exactly what I needed as a candidate coming from the most “classic” MBA feeder path imaginable: two years in bulge bracket investment banking followed by four years at an upper-middle-market private equity fund. I had strong numbers (~3.9 GPA from a top liberal arts college and a 755 GMAT FE), but I also knew that great stats and a traditional background can actually be a liability at the very top schools if you don’t have a clear point of view and a differentiated story.

I only applied to HSW, so there was no margin for a generic application. From the start, Eric focused less on polishing and more on strategy. He pushed me to answer the hard questions that top programs actually care about: What’s the throughline in my decisions, beyond “finance progression”? What do I uniquely bring to a class full of high-performing investors? What is the precise problem I want to solve post-MBA, and why am I the right person to solve it?

Where Eric really stood out was his ability to craft a narrative that felt both compelling and true. He helped me identify the more nontraditional aspects of my experience that I had been under-weighting, then built them into a cohesive story with clear stakes, motivations, and direction. Just as importantly, he helped me pressure-test my post-MBA goals until they were specific, credible, and differentiated—so the “why MBA / why now” argument didn’t read like a template.

Eric also brought the kind of candid feedback that is rare and incredibly valuable. He gave tough love when I needed it, called out weak framing immediately, and didn’t let me hide behind strong credentials. That directness made the work better and made me better. By the end, I submitted three applications that I was genuinely proud of—applications that reflected my best foot forward, not just my resume.

The outcome speaks for itself: I was admitted to Wharton with a scholarship. I obviously own the work, but I also know I would not have stood out the same way without Eric’s guidance. If you’re coming from a traditional background and want a consultant who can help you differentiate with substance, sharpen your goals, and tell your story with clarity and edge, Eric is the real deal.

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Eric Hollowaty was a phenomenal advisor throughout the entire application process, going above and beyond routinely to ensure I put my best foot forward in my Round 1 applications. I would highly recommend him to anyone who is debating working with a consultant ahead of their MBA applications.

For background, I am from the Northeast and attended a top 15 U.S. News-ranked university for undergrad (think Duke, Johns Hopkins, UChicago, Northwestern), where I graduated with a liberal arts degree and a 3.9+ GPA. I applied in Round 1 this fall with a 695 GMAT Focus to HBS, GSB, and Wharton with four years of work experience (will be five by matriculation); two years at an investment bank and three years in large-cap private equity. In case helpful context, I had previously applied as a college senior for the 2+2 / deferred admission at HBS / GSB (did not apply with a consultant and had been less rigorous about prepping for GMAT, resulted in rejections without interviews).

I approached the application process with some trepidation about building a profile that would differentiate me from the large pool of candidates applying to the same schools with similar backgrounds. Although I had led a few initiatives outside of my core job responsibilities / through partner organizations over the ~2-year stretch ahead of applying, I wouldn’t say I had some particularly strong non-professional angles (i.e., no Associate Boards, leadership positions with community orgs, etc.). With Eric’s help, however, I was able to build a differentiated application that still described me authentically.

I’d say Eric’s primary value-add can be split across three core buckets, all of which were immensely valuable and critical to my success:
• Initial Ideation: Eric spent hours going through my background with me, teasing out anecdotes and stories that would ultimately form the basis of my applications. Where he is most effective in this process is driving you to think more critically about why something has been impactful or where you have driven change – he doesn’t ‘let you off the hook’ at your initial story, but prompts you to do the second-level thinking that makes your story both unique to you and interesting. Once the essay prompts themselves were released, he would coordinate a 90 minute school-specific ideation session, where we would debate stories to leverage for each prompt. These sessions with Eric were critical – he is unafraid to tell you when an idea is a bad one, saving you the time of writing an essay that ultimately would not land. Further, his excitement over a compelling essay idea is palpable, motivating you to drive forward. In short, he was a crucial sparring partner that helped me land at the best and most relevant narrative possible.
• Essay iteration: Eric was tireless in his support through the drafting process; he thoughtfully reviewed everything I drafted (multiple times), ranging from the long-form essay responses to the 150 character blurbs embedded in the applications. He was unafraid to push me when a draft needed a lot of work, taking the time to even leave voice memos describing where he thought I could improve when a draft particularly missed the mark. Across the three schools, Eric reviewed and commented on nearly 50 iterations of my various essays and short answers – an incredible level of meticulous external review that helped me get my essays into very polished shape well ahead of submission day.
• Interview Preparation post-submission: Eric’s help did not stop after I submitted my applications. When it came time to prepare for interviews, he worked with the same meticulousness, helping me think through both how to prepare broadly and specifically for each school I applied to. Again, Eric was unafraid to give direct but valuable feedback when my answers missed the mark during a mock session. With his support, I walked into my interviews incredibly confident, and even faced several questions that we had gone over in our mocks.

One other note which I think is important in the hectic nature of getting applications submitted – there are no surprises with Eric. He is incredibly communicative, clear, and always available to promptly answer one-off questions that pop up. Importantly, he is also a pleasure to work with, bringing an infectious attitude that made the marathon of MBA application writing feel manageable.

With Eric’s support, I was admitted to both HBS and Wharton this fall. I am 100% confident my applications and profile would have been nowhere near as well-received without his help and support throughout the last year. I feel very fortunate to have worked with him, and strongly recommend him to anyone considering working with him.

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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!

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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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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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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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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 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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