Industry: Financial Services (not Investment Baking / Private Equity), 5 Years Experience in Strategy and Product; Test Score: 720 GMAT; GPA: 3.75 @ Ivy+ School, Social Sciences Major, Humanities Minor

I asked some friends for MBA consultant recommendations, and after meeting Liza, I knew I found the best one. In our first meeting, Liza described honestly, based on my high-level stats, my initial strengths and deficiencies, and how I could draft an application that harnesses both.

I truly felt that Liza’s approach as a consultant helped me to write essays that felt as authentic, well-rounded, and captivating as possible. The three most emblematic ways Liza helped me do this were:

1. Making me write an inventory of my entire life experience - childhood, personal, professional, and extracurricular experiences and stories. Writing this out was extremely helpful in reflecting on how my experiences led me to where I was and where I wanted to go next. We used this inventory to have a deep discussion on the points in my career and personal experiences that would demonstrate in applications who I was, why I wanted to pursue a MBA, and why I thought I was the right fit for certain schools. Most importantly, this experience allowed Liza to get to know me, and push me to demonstrate my most authentic self as I wrote essays.
2. Like writing a novel, I was the author and Liza was the editor - only that Liza pushed me like a track coach would push a runner in doing everything they could to hit their best ever time. With each draft I wrote, Liza pushed me for perfect - in choosing the right story, in making sure every sentence advanced the point of the essay, and ensuring my personality shined through. The journey to finishing an essay was so profound that some of my essays (even those that were only 250 words) had 10-15 drafts.
3. In preparing for interviews, Liza hosted a few mocks with me. Her feedback was vital, since she knew both what schools were looking for as well as who I was (especially so by this point in the process). She helped me realize that MBA interviews are conversations where I painted a cohesive picture on who I was within a 30-45 minute time frame.

Lastly, as a full-time professional, I appreciated how Liza helped me set the pace on how often I turned around drafts as well as holding me accountable to deadlines we set. This allowed me to chip away at essays consistently and diligently over months to avoid any significant last-minute work.

I deeply enjoyed working with Liza, who was a coach, editor, cheerleader, and friend all at the same time. I applied to three schools, and was accepted to HBS (attending), Wharton, and Sloan - in huge part thanks to the process of working with Liza!

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As a healthcare tech consultant at Deloitte and Brandeis grad with a 3.4 GPA, my MBA journey had its challenges. Despite multiple attempts at the GRE, I couldn't push my score beyond 306 - not exactly what top programs look for.

That's where Liza and Gatehouse Admissions made all the difference. Unlike other consultants who glossed over my weaknesses, Gatehouse was refreshingly honest. Liza didn't just tell me what I wanted to hear - she gave me straight talk about where I stood and what we needed to do to overcome my test score limitations.

What really made Gatehouse stand out was how they helped me craft my story. Looking at my initial essays now, I can see they were completely off target. Through Liza's guidance, I discovered what actually mattered in my application - not just improving my weaknesses, but highlighting my authentic strengths in a way that made sense for MBA admissions.

Gatehouse kept me organized and accountable throughout the application process for all three schools. The structured approach helped me stay on track with deadlines, and Liza's positive reinforcement kept me going when things got tough.

Gatehouse's expertise in storytelling is why I got into Kellogg's MBAi program despite my GRE score. They didn't just edit my essays - they helped me find and articulate my unique value proposition in a way no other consultant could have.

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My background: mid-20s, half-white, half-asian male. Two years in venture capital, one year in operations as Chief of Staff at a fintech company in NYC. Graduated from Yale University with an Economics and Philosophy degree, a 3.89 GPA, 720 GMAT.

I was accepted R2 2025 to GSB and HBS. I only applied to GSB and HBS, and I do not think I would be in this position without Liza’s guidance and partnership.

Liza’s experience speaks for itself as the founder of the pre-eminent MBA consulting firm, Gatehouse, but beyond that she is a kind, empathetic, and intelligent human being. MBA essay writing is deeply personal - Liza not only helped me explore pivotal life moments but also translated them into compelling narratives that brought out the best in me.

On essay writing, Liza was instrumental. We started by laying out the full landscape of possibilities on what to write about, and then narrowed in on the key themes and topics to focus on for each essay question. In the trenches of essay writing, she was right there beside me - her comments pushing me to think deeper, write more clearly, and sometimes consider other avenues to explore.

Liza was also super helpful in my interview prep. I found that both my GSB and HBS interviews very much approximated my actual interviews, and because of that I started both interviews on the right foot and built confidence throughout both discussions.

I am so grateful for Liza’s support and expert guidance throughout this process, and will continue to lean on her as a trusted advisor and friend for many years to come.

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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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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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TLDR: Working with Liza was one of the best decisions I've ever made, and I recommend anyone seriously considering top MBA programs to reach out and see if she's available! With her help, I'm really excited to be heading to Wharton in the fall!

My background: Mid-20s, Asian American Male - applied to a select small group of schools from a traditional MBB consulting / Private Equity investing background. Test scores and GPA are in line with the medians of the top schools, but are not outstanding by any measure. I had applied once a few years ago to one school only, with the assistance of an admissions consultant who wasn't too helpful - so I was a bit skeptical this time around. However, from the moment I first had a consultation with Liza, I knew that she was on top of her game and treated each of her candidates not just as a paycheck, but a friend she works closely with from day one as a true thought partner.

From when you start working with her, she is meticulously detailed and organized, something that I found tremendously valuable while balancing a full time job with applications. Through working with Liza, I found that no question was too silly, no essay or short answer too poorly written, no idea too random. She is willing always to explore different angles and problem solve with you as you approach an application - something I found really comforting to have throughout. Liza excels in helping you throughout the process - from the macro brainstorming around essays, all the way down to catching the most minute grammatical errors in a short-answer response.

She is a talented editor and partner to brainstorm with as you're approaching the large essays for each school - but she is also there to help provide suggestions on how you architect your whole application - from connecting the essays, to recommendations, to short answers and interviews - to make the whole package come together. Furthermore, she is so dedicated to your cause and success - if you were to equate applying to business school with going through an exhausting, 12-round boxing match, Liza would be your trainer in the corner at all times there to chat in between rounds - giving you tips, prepping you, helping you up when you get knocked down, and always there to be your biggest cheerleader. Even now, as I'm in the summer prepping for business school, Liza continues to be a thought partner on navigating another school's waitlist I'm still on!

I think beyond everything else - what makes Liza stand out is the fact that she balances being an adept, experienced consultant on the tactical portions of the application with being a tremendously empathetic, thoughtful friend that goes through the ups and downs with you when you're applying. More likely than not - you're going to get a rejection from at least 1 school. I'm sure many consultants are good at celebrating their clients' successes when they get into school - but I believe Liza is singular in her ability to be there when you actually face rejection - and need to pick yourself up for your other interviews and applications. No consultant will be a magician that can sprinkle pixie dust that will grant you admission into all your schools - but Liza is as close as you can get - she'll take your experiences, your stories, your personality - and help you package it in a way that you don't believe is possible. It's not cheap - but then again - neither is business school! If you're thinking seriously about an MBA - I think it's a small price to pay to get you to a place you're happy at!

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Liza was incredible to work with and is the reason I got into UVA Darden.

Some background: I have been working in SaaS sales for the past 5 years and wanted to pursue business school as it was an opportunity to pivot into a consulting and jumpstart a more strategic career. However, coming from small liberal arts school outside the t20 with an average GPA and no financial or strategic work experience I knew it would be an uphill battle to get into my dream school. I scored a 322 (161V/16 Q) on the GRE which was solid but knew my application would need to shine... enter Liza. She was a master at highlighting my strengths and storytelling to make my essays excellent. From our first meeting it was clear she was an expert in the process and was proactive in keeping us to a clearly defined timeline. I had very few friends, family, and colleagues that had gone through the bschool process, so Liza was my lifeline and true advisor (even a motivator when I was down on myself!). I would not have gotten into a t15 school without Liza's help and for anyone looking to unlock the keys to success in the bschool application process, look no further. Thank you Liza!

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Background: Late 20s, female, Texas, technical role at oil and gas company, undergraduate business degree from state school (business management & finance double major), 3.7 GPA, GRE: 162Q/159V.

Accepted: Wharton, Chicago Booth, MIT, Yale
Attending: Wharton School (Class of 2025)

I had the privilege of working with Liza at Gatehouse Admissions for two years. Coming from a niche role at an oil and gas company, I knew that I needed exceptional guidance to navigate the competitive admissions process. Liza proved to be the perfect partner in my journey to business school.

Liza played a pivotal role in shaping my personal story. She helped me craft a narrative that described where I came from, the decisions I made along the way, and most importantly, my "why." Liza's guidance in this aspect was invaluable as it helped me present a clear and strong case for my candidacy. Further, Liza took a holistic approach to the application. She ensured that all components of the application (resume, essays, short answers, etc.) were consistent and connected to my “why”.

One of Liza’s specialties was her ability to help me articulate my accomplishments, projects, and performance in a way that was clear and compelling to admissions staff who may have been unfamiliar with the energy industry. Liza took the time to understand my nuanced role and pushed me to dig deeper in my reflections in both professional and personal experiences.

Additionally, Liza provided strategic advice on re-testing for the GMAT & GRE and helped guide me through my decision to delay my applications until the following admissions cycle, ensuring I could present the strongest possible application to the admissions committees. Her thoughtful guidance underscored her dedication to not just meeting but exceeding the expectations of top-tier business school admissions processes.

Further, my experience with Gatehouse Admissions offered access to a variety of resources. I participated in a mock interview with another specialized admissions consultant and engaged with other Gatehouse clients in a simulated Wharton “Team Based Discussion” interview. Throughout the entire process, Liza and the Gatehouse team consistently offered constructive feedback and support.

Liza at Gatehouse Admissions was a vital partner on my journey to business school. I am incredibly grateful for her expertise and guidance, which undoubtedly played a key role in my successful application to business school. If you want to gain admission to the top business schools, you must work with Liza and Gatehouse Admissions!

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Background: Late 20s male, east coast, bulge bracket investment banking followed by private equity, non-ivy, 3.9 GPA, 164V/162Q GRE

Result: Admitted to Harvard Business School R1

Liza came highly recommended to me by a friend who was a former client of Liza’s. Liza was extremely instrumental in my MBA application process. She is incredibly skilled at leading you through the introspective process of essay and application writing (both the professional and personal aspects). Liza goes above and beyond to make sure that you are putting your best foot forward.

Liza is incredibly patient, as getting to the best essay requires several rounds of iteration. She takes a comprehensive approach to your application and takes a genuine interest in her clients. She is truly a partner in the application process and she is there with you every step of the way. Beyond the essays, Liza is also instrumental in helping you prep your recommenders, preparing you for interviews, and even filling out the very lengthy online application portals.

Working with Liza was the best decision I made in preparing for the MBA process – I recommend her and Gatehouse without hesitation.

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Background: Mid-20s Asian male, HYP undergrad, 2-years boutique investment banking, 2-years mid-market private equity.
Result: Admitted Round 1 to HBS and Wharton HCM.
Liza was recommended to me by a friend in PE and who had worked with her in the prior application cycle. Liza played a critical role in my application and interview processes at HBS, GSB, and Wharton. Not only was she incredibly knowledgeable about all things business school (and frankly finance & PE), but she was also thoughtful, motivating, and compassionate during a very challenging 4-5 month stretch where I balanced a demanding job and putting together my entire application.
In my opinion, Liza’s biggest value add and what differentiates her vs. other consultants is her ability to guide you through the introspective part of the application. She invested significant time at the beginning of the process to get to know me personally and professionally. With her support, I was able to weave together the most compelling parts of my story into succinct essays that helped me stand out in the growing applicant pool of PE associates. We iterated back and forth on many versions of my essays until I felt proud of them.
I would absolutely recommend Liza. It’s an investment in yourself if you are serious about applying to business school. Her expertise and thoughtfulness really made the difference for me.

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