GMAT Club

Jessica Shklar Reviews

Company: mbaMission

After graduating from Harvard College with a degree in anthropology, Jessica Shklar worked in nonprofit education, first doing curriculum development for an adult education center and then in the admissions office of a small university in Los Angeles, where she advised applicants to both the undergraduate college and several graduate programs, including business school. While there, she developed and delivered workshops around the country on Selecting the Right College and How to Write an Effective Application Essay. Having been accepted to every business school to which she applied, including Stanford, Kellogg and Yale, Jessica ultimately chose to attend HBS, where she completed her MBA with distinction (graduating in the top 10%). After starting work, she volunteered in the New York City public school system, helping high school seniors with their college applications. She has worked at several Fortune 100 companies, including American Express and JPMorgan Chase, where she was the quality leader and a senior vice president for Chase Home Finance. Jessica is also a Six Sigma Master Black Belt, with specific expertise in Six Sigma deployment and initialization.

Source: http://www.mbamission.com/about/?display=team&name=jessica-shklar

5.0 /5 Average Rating
Based on 214 reviews
April 28, 2025
rskinner

Joined: Mar 17, 2024

Posts: 1

Kudos: 5

Verified GMAT Focus score:
715 Q87 V86 DI84

Jessica Shklar - best consultant to work with!

REVIEWER IDENTITY VERIFIED by score report [?]

I can’t say enough about my experience working with Jessica. Her deep knowledge of the programs enabled me to have a clear sense of what each school was looking for and tailor my applications and interview prep accordingly. Her breadth of experience meant she had ample ideas on how to best position the different elements of my application, particularly in one area that was complicated to explain. Her fun and supportive nature helped me be at my best through the ups and downs of the process, and made her such a pleasure to work with. Couldn’t recommend her enough!!

Read More

April 06, 2025
tumauanfran

Joined: Jul 15, 2020

Posts: 2

Kudos: 0

Jessica Shklar - absolute rockstar

REVIEWER IDENTITY VERIFIED by score report [?]

When I began my MBA journey, I was filled with uncertainty. I had a vague idea of my post-MBA goals, but I struggled to connect my past experiences to a compelling narrative. On top of that, I was unsure which schools were the right fit for me and how to navigate the complex application landscape.

That’s where Jessica came in. After speaking with more than 10 consultants, I immediately knew she was the one after our first call. Jessica’s energy, genuine interest in my story, and deep knowledge of the U.S. MBA landscape reassured me that I was in the right hands. Without hesitation, I decided to work with her—and it was the best decision I made.

From day one, Jessica took the time to deeply understand my personal and professional background, career aspirations, and even my family values. She seamlessly wove all of these elements into my MBA applications, creating a cohesive and compelling narrative. Her expertise in storytelling was invaluable—reading my final applications, I could clearly see the impact she had in helping me craft a powerful and authentic story.

Beyond her professional guidance, Jessica provided unwavering emotional support. The MBA application process is grueling, especially when applying to multiple schools. She consistently reminded me to trust the process, keeping me motivated and focused.

Thanks to Jessica, I was accepted into Columbia Business School—one of my dream schools from the very beginning. If you’re about to embark on your MBA journey, look no further than Jessica. She is truly a game-changer.

Read More

April 01, 2025
knockout98

Joined: Apr 01, 2025

Posts: 0

Kudos: 0

Best Consultant One Could Ask For

REVIEWER IDENTITY VERIFIED by score report [?]

I believe without a shadow of a doubt that Jessica is the best in the business. I got an interview and knew, based on my past shortcomings in expressing clear and coherent thoughts in interviews, that I was ill-prepared for my upcoming interview. So going into the interview process, I decided that I couldn’t take any risks and needed to work with the best person I could find. This led me down a rabbit hole of YouTube videos through which I found Jessica.

I did a mock interview with Jessica in preparation for the actual interview. Based on the pre-mock interview materials I received, I knew right away that I had found the best person for the job. I really liked her strategy of emphasizing that I do not rehearse answers to common questions over and over again (which could have made me sound robotic), but to practice using tools she provided to help answer questions clearly and concisely no matter how differently the question is posed or how unexpected the question is.

I also got some additional guides and interview tips after my mock interview with Jessica and those were a boon. She really paid attention to the details including reviewing the application I had already submitted and tailoring the mock-interview to reflect what the actual interview could be like. In effect, there weren’t any questions I couldn’t have answered during the actual interview, which is huge considering the fact that I have lost some pretty big chances in the past from failing miserably at interviews. If you are considering Jessica, take my word, she is the best out there. I know this because I have worked with other consultants and none of them come close. Good luck!

Read More

March 15, 2025
njf2023

Joined: Sep 24, 2023

Posts: 3

Kudos: 7

Verified GMAT Focus score:
725 Q86 V87 DI85 (Online)

Can't recommend Jessica enough!

REVIEWER IDENTITY VERIFIED by score report [?]

Jessica was an incredible partner throughout my MBA application journey. She was fully involved in every step, helping me deeply reflect on my personal and professional experiences. This not only led to strong, compelling essays but also gave me greater clarity on what I want from my MBA and beyond.

Her honesty, directness, and efficiency were invaluable in navigating the stressful application process with confidence. She kept me focused, challenged me to think critically, and ensured that every part of my application was as strong as possible. Thanks to her guidance, I received four offers, including from three M7 schools, out of the five applications we worked on together.

If you are considering working with an admissions consultant, I wholeheartedly recommend Jessica as the ideal companion for this journey. I can't imagine being so successful in this endeavor without her.

Read More

June 06, 2024
beluga10

Joined: Jul 22, 2023

Posts: 0

Kudos: 0

No need to question. You will get the best quality.

REVIEWER IDENTITY VERIFIED by gmat club tests [?]

I was stuck with my stories. I felt I had so much more to unfold but couldn’t figure out how to share different parts of my life in each essay. The word count added pressure. I wanted to work with a consultant who respected the different chapters of my life and helped express my stories without changing them. That’s when I found Jessica.
From the beginning, she was very clear on expectations and helped me understand the ‘why’ behind the questions in the applications. She listened, then challenged me to think through my life.

It was truly amazing to experience the partnership and mentorship she offered. She suggested hidden themes that connected very different parts of my life and helped me reflect on my past, present, and future. From the very beginning, I knew Jessica took my application very seriously. She did not want to waste a second of my time. It was clear to follow her guidance which allowed me to take time to process my ideas and express them efficiently.
Her professionalism is top of the line. She keeps promises and went beyond what I requested. More than a couple times, Jessica would suggest that she would come back after some thought - and she really did. You know Jessica doesn't just let things "pass". She really values quality so you get quality. At the end of my essays, I remember reading them through and thinking, "Yeah, this is really me. This is really my story." It's quite amazing how talented Jessica is in storytelling! I learned so much from working with her.

The combination of her professionalism, high standards, and empathy makes Jessica truly one of the best! I will never forget this experience. Thank you, Jessica.

Read More

April 02, 2024
kpettus24

Joined: Apr 02, 2024

Posts: 0

Kudos: 0

Jessica Is The Best In The Business!!

REVIEWER IDENTITY VERIFIED by school email address [?]

Choosing the right MBA admissions consultant can be a game-changer in the application process, and my experience with Jessica was nothing short of outstanding. From our initial conversation, it was evident that Jessica possessed a deep understanding of the MBA admissions landscape, paired with a genuine commitment to my success.

The personalized approach was the first aspect that stood out. Jessica took the time to understand my unique background, career aspirations, and personal values, ensuring that every piece of advice and strategy was tailored to my specific goals. This level of customization made a significant difference, especially when crafting my essays and prepping for interviews.

Jessica's expertise in storytelling is her true “super power”. She helped me articulate my experiences and vision in a compelling and coherent manner. Her feedback was always constructive, detailed, and insightful, pushing me to refine my narrative until it resonated with clarity and impact.

Additionally, her support extended beyond just the application materials. Jessica provided moral support and guidance throughout the often stressful process, reminding me to stay true to myself and my aspirations.

The results speak for themselves. I was accepted into HBS and GSB, and I attribute a significant part of my success to Jessica's guidance. I HIGHLY recommend Jessica to anyone seeking a partner who will invest deeply in their MBA journey and help them achieve their highest potential.

Read More

verify-zero-posts
This reviewer has not participated on GMAT Club but it is a REAL person and a REAL review. GMAT Club has verified this test-taker's identity through GMAC/Pearson Vue Score Reporting system or .edu email address and confirmed that this reviewer indeed took the GMAT, is unique, and has not submitted multiple reviews.
April 01, 2024
adhillon20

Joined: Jul 17, 2020

Posts: 1

Kudos: 1

Self-reported Score:
740 Q49 V42

Knew me better than I knew myself!

REVIEWER IDENTITY VERIFIED by school email address [?]

Jessica Shklar’s expertise as an MBA admissions consultant exceeded all expectations. From the outset, she demonstrated a keen ability to discern underlying themes in my life story that I hadn’t even recognized. Her insightful approach during our brainstorming session was instrumental in uncovering connections that added depth and coherence to my application.

Throughout the entire process, Jessica’s dedication was unwavering. She remained readily available and consistently pushed me to refine every aspect of my application until it met her exacting standards. Whether it was meticulously polishing my resume or meticulously refining my short answer responses, she left no stone unturned in ensuring that my application stood out.

As a non-traditional applicant, Jessica’s guidance was invaluable in shaping my narrative and presenting my experiences in a manner that resonated with business school admissions committees. Her collaborative approach, which included soliciting feedback from her colleagues, ensured that my application was both compelling and comprehensible.

Moreover, Jessica’s interview preparation sessions were nothing short of exceptional. She struck the perfect balance between thorough preparation and natural spontaneity, enabling me to confidently navigate the interview process. Thanks to her guidance and support, I received offers from multiple top-tier schools, including an acceptance to Wharton, which I will be attending this fall. Without a doubt, Jessica Shklar’s expertise was instrumental in my success, and I wholeheartedly recommend her to anyone seeking guidance in the MBA admissions process.

Read More

March 18, 2024
mfeldman97

Joined: Mar 17, 2024

Posts: 0

Kudos: 0

Jessica Shklar - Super Helpful!

REVIEWER IDENTITY VERIFIED by school email address [?]

I had a very positive experience with Jessica! Not only was she very helpful in helping shape my applications, but she also gave me the confidence to pursue schools I wouldn't have otherwise considered/thought I was qualified for. From day 1 she was by my side and supporting me through her coaching/feedback, as well as countless rounds of edits on my essays. Jessica was instrumental in working with me to flush out my story and addressing any weaknesses in my application. Ultimately, I was accepted to all of my top school choices including multiple M7's. I will now be starting at Wharton this August.

Read More

verify-zero-posts
This reviewer has not participated on GMAT Club but it is a REAL person and a REAL review. GMAT Club has verified this test-taker's identity through GMAC/Pearson Vue Score Reporting system or .edu email address and confirmed that this reviewer indeed took the GMAT, is unique, and has not submitted multiple reviews.
March 15, 2024
james.sorensen

Joined: Mar 15, 2024

Posts: 0

Kudos: 0

Look No Further Than Jessica. Here’s Why.

REVIEWER IDENTITY VERIFIED by school email address [?]

I had a lot of apprehension starting the MBA admission process. I was targeting the top of
the M7, nervous about getting the right GMAT score and uncertain about making my
application stand out. I was a consultant passionate about public service and faith, and didn’t
know how to tell my story. Not only this, but I was unsure about investing significant
financial resources into the process. I approached coaches with a bit of skepticism,
somewhat jaded after reading hundreds of admissions consultant reviews. But then I met Jessica and
everything changed. I am now on my way to HBS after receiving multiple M7 offers. I can
confidently say I wouldn’t be here without Jessica’s support. If you are reading this and have
your sights set on a top school, look no further than Jessica.

See below for a few examples of
the exceptional value Jessica provided:

1. Jessica got to know me deeply as a human, well beyond my resume. She repeatedly
pushed me to lean into stories that had shaped my life- stories of love and loss and
oftentimes not associated with the corporate world. I cried after writing down some of the
life experiences that I eventually used in essays- we got that real. I don’t think my application
would have been remotely as powerful as it was with these lived experiences included and I
believe that Jessica is in the top .1% of coaches that could draw this emotion and depth out
of someone.

2. Jessica encouraged me to avoid a “brand”. I was ready to structure my package squarely
around something I thought schools would want- an MBB consultant on sponsorship, ready
to share stories of board meetings in class. Jessica quickly dispelled this. Instead, I found
myself leaning into passions I would never have considered bringing up (cycling, painting)
and my package became all the more reflective of who I actually was.

3. Jessica was extremely honest. Sometimes painfully so 🙂 She said from the beginning that she would react honestly to content because it would lead to a better product, and she held true to that. This too lead to a better outcome than otherwise.

4. Jessica (and mbaMission) was comprehensive. Jessica provided outstanding support across my package for multiple schools, and mbaMission went above and beyond with interview prep. All of this (besides one-off 1:1 interview deep-dives) was included in my package. I felt like this was excellent value and reflected the outstanding caliber of mbaMission as a whole (though Jessica stands alone in her caliber as a coach).

5. Jessica was timely, thorough and pushed me to stay “ahead of schedule”. Jessica consistently turned content in under two days and always was thorough. She encouraged me to lean in, even after long weeks or late nights, and dig deep to complete my packages early. Without this push I know I would not have been as prepared as I was.

6. Even after I submitted my applications, Jessica was there every step of the way. She provided immense reassurance in times of doubt, responded thoughtfully to anxiety-induced emails, and even counseled me on what to wear to my interviews. I am confident that I would have had many more sleepless nights if it wasn’t for her.
Working with Jessica was the one of the wisest decisions I’ve ever made – and it would be for you too.

Read More

verify-zero-posts
This reviewer has not participated on GMAT Club but it is a REAL person and a REAL review. GMAT Club has verified this test-taker's identity through GMAC/Pearson Vue Score Reporting system or .edu email address and confirmed that this reviewer indeed took the GMAT, is unique, and has not submitted multiple reviews.
March 14, 2024
anonymous-garden

Joined: Mar 14, 2024

Posts: 0

Kudos: 0

Jessica helped me land my dream school - highly recommend!

REVIEWER IDENTITY VERIFIED by school email address [?]

When I started working with Jessica, I had completed my GMAT and thought my “MBA story,” honed over 4.5 years in the same industry, only needed a bit of polish. Jessica, however, envisioned a more reflective approach. She encouraged me to introspect deeply about my life, got to know me intimately, and reshaped my narrative into something beyond my imagination. Had I stuck to my original plan, I doubt I'd be heading to HBS today.

From day one, Jessica was methodical, initiating our process five months before application deadlines. She required a detailed account of my upbringing, family, hobbies, and work experiences—a task that seemed too excessive with its 50-60 hours of introspection. Yet, this groundwork proved essential. It enabled Jessica to identify what made me unique and weave my most compelling stories into each school's application. I still remember my sense of relief during our first brainstorming session. Jessica had done her homework, knew my story inside-out, and proposed a clear-cut strategy for the coming months. I was onboard and it was the first time I felt that I might actually have a shot.

Applying to top MBA programs is a grueling process. Schools evaluate every aspect of your life and expect you to “bleed on paper” to convince them of your candidacy. The best MBA essays are compelling stories where you, the author, happen to be the hero. For even the best storytellers among us, that’s an awkward thing to write. Fortunately, Jessica finds it easy. She’s a professional who knows what schools are looking for and, as long as you’re willing to put in the work, her expertise will bring out the best in you.

Read More

verify-zero-posts
This reviewer has not participated on GMAT Club but it is a REAL person and a REAL review. GMAT Club has verified this test-taker's identity through GMAC/Pearson Vue Score Reporting system or .edu email address and confirmed that this reviewer indeed took the GMAT, is unique, and has not submitted multiple reviews.

45 Older and Non-Verified Reviews for Jessica Shklar