GMAT Club

Maria Wich-Vila Reviews

Company: ApplicantLab


5.0 /5 Average Rating
Based on 197 reviews
March 05, 2026
Decadence101

Joined: Dec 10, 2022

Posts: 0

Kudos: 0

Verified GMAT Focus score:
675 Q82 V87 DI81

HBS Interview + INSEAD Admit - All Through ApplicantLab

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I strongly recommend ApplicantLab's admissions tool to all applicants looking for a do-it-all guide with the best bang for their buck.

Through this tool, I applied to HBS, GSB, and INSEAD (all Round 1). I got into INSEAD and landed an interview at HBS, all without using any other resources.

For context, I didn't have a huge budget for admissions guidance. So without ApplicantLab, it would've been almost impossible for me to get the guidance I needed to put forward my best MBA application.

ApplicantLab structures the whole application preparation process, removing confusion and giving you clarity from knowing exactly what you need to do. Aside from the tool itself, Maria is also reachable by email if you need help along the way.

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December 29, 2025
BPapp24

Joined: Jul 08, 2025

Posts: 1

Kudos: 0

Verified GMAT Focus score:
695 Q83 V86 DI85

The best option HANDS DOWN

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If you are like most, struggling to decide whether or not to spend $10k on an admissions coach, look no further - use ApplicantLab! When I started my MBA application process, I was incredibly conflicted about whether or not to use a professional admissions coach. While the prices felt insane, I wanted to give myself every opportunity possible for success. After three sessions, I dropped the coach I had hired after feeling judged and pressured to portray myself in an inauthentic way. I was lost until I found ApplicantLab. This program gives you all the tools a full-time coach would, but allows you to tell your story in your own way. For the cost of one hour with a coach, ApplicantLab offers more resources and knowledge than I could ever need. It takes you through every step, from deciding to pursue an MBA to eventual interviews. Maria founded the program to give everyone a fair chance at top MBA programs, regardless of financial situation. While the program is amazing, it was Maria who personally changed my application experience. I can't count how many times I emailed her one-off questions to bounce ideas off of. She guided me every step of the way, and I am so proud to share that I will be going to Columbia Business School in the fall (with scholarship). Maria, it would not have been possible without you - thank you.

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December 02, 2025
crohanejtc

Joined: Apr 19, 2018

Posts: 0

Kudos: 0

Incredible Service!

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I had such a positive experience with ApplicantLab! The program is so thorough and guides you through every step of the process. It includes bits that a traditional admissions consultant wouldn't think to cover and an applicant would never think to inquire about. The content does a great job adding requisite specificity without hampering an applicant's individuality. It provides a framework for you to show your strengths in a way that resonates with adcoms.

I genuinely couldn't imagine going through MBA apps without it and credit a good portion of my M7 admit to the program.

Maria was amazing and was able to answer some additional questions that I had as well!

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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.
July 27, 2025
mateom9723

Joined: Jun 21, 2024

Posts: 5

Kudos: 0

Verified GMAT Focus score:
615 Q79 V84 DI78

Best value for money product in the market

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The Lab is an amazing tool. It’s structured, to the point, and incredibly user-friendly. I received offers from all three of the programs I applied to, including a scholarship at one of them. It also provides specific advice for all the major MBA programmes, which is a huge advantage.

Maria was also fantastic. She answered all of my questions thoroughly, and I truly felt I got incredible value for the price. I always felt in good hands with her.

I couldn’t recommend the Lab enough, there’s absolutely no need to spend 10x more on a traditional consultant.

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June 26, 2025
tarheelpoker

Joined: Jan 01, 2025

Posts: 5

Kudos: 3

Verified GMAT Focus score:
655 Q84 V83 DI80

Success with ApplicantLab

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Very well organized, at an affordable price point provides the meat & potatoes of what's needed to apply successfully to MBA programs. Lots of videos for each school that breaks down every part of the process of picking schools to choosing recommenders to drafting essays and completing interviews. I was a last minute R3 applicant and with the help of this program was admitted to an M7 (Booth) and multiple T20 / T30 programs (Tepper, Anderson, Marshall) with $$. Founder is also very responsive via email, provides 80% of what you get with a typical admissions consultant at 10% of the price. For someone who is looking for support but doesn't want to spend for an expensive admissions consultant, I can't recommend ApplicantLab enough.

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June 15, 2025
whamidzadah

Joined: Jun 15, 2025

Posts: 0

Kudos: 0

Amazing platform!! Everything you need

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Maria and the ApplicantLab team/platform answered ALL of my questions. I truly would not have been able to get into all of the schools I did without it. I leaned on it heavily for all of my essays, resume strategy, and interview prep. It also does a great job of helping with school specific advice and provides clarity about what's most important to each school. It helped me get into Booth. Great for people who are self motivated, like having an on demand platform, and want to break into T20 schools. Nothing but great things to say. It's truly an all encompassing platform that answers all of your questions. Wont find better bang for your buck

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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.
June 02, 2025
gauraangb

Joined: Jun 02, 2025

Posts: 2

Kudos: 2

Admitted to Stanford and Harvard thanks to Applicant Lab

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I got into Harvard and Stanford with $$$ in Round 1 of 2024 and it's largely thanks to Applicant Lab. Using Applicant Lab was the best decision I made. Its modules contain pretty much all you need to craft a strong application. The videos are also fun to watch since the creator (Maria) is quite entertaining. What's great is Maria also keeps regularly updating the content (e.g., when essay prompts change). With Applicant Lab you shouldn't even need a pricey consultant - it's probably better than most of them. Feel free to use this promo code for 10% off: https://applicantlab.refr.cc/default/u/gauraangbiyani?s=esp&t=wa

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May 12, 2025
zpenwell

Joined: Aug 20, 2024

Posts: 0

Kudos: 0

Best Bang for the Buck!

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This is an outstanding product that I would recommend to anyone. It was the most helpful overall tool I found in my MBA journey! It walks you through every step of crafting your personal and professional story in a way that speaks to admission committees. I think it was well worth it to pay the additional add on fees for personal reviews on essays. The feedback I received was brutally honest, but trustworthy, and ultimately that feedback made my application exponentially more coherent and powerful. I'm extremely grateful to Maria and her team for the services they provided, as I ultimately gained acceptance to my top choice!

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May 05, 2025
fizzydrink98

Joined: Aug 22, 2024

Posts: 1

Kudos: 0

Verified GMAT Focus score:
535 Q77 V81 DI72

Couldn't have made a better choice

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I was hesitant to pick a virtual service over an Admissions Consultant, but now that I have been admitted to every school I have applied to (with a mediocre GPA and GMAT score), I could not have made a better decision. ApplicantLab helped me re-frame my mindset that gave me the best shot at success. In addition to all of the online tools they have (to do everything from tailoring your resume to interview prep) they also have paid services which you can utilize for a second opinion of your admissions material. I found the resume editing service especially helpful. I highly recommend ApplicantLab (and they had a free trial when I used it, why not try it out?), and would not have made it into my dream school without them.

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May 03, 2025
Kush419

Joined: Aug 27, 2021

Posts: 25

Kudos: 23

Verified GMAT Focus score:
705 Q86 V85 DI84

Subscribing to Applicant Lab—after my partner repeatedly encouraged me to do so—was possibly the most crucial decision for my MBA application journey. It completely changed the course of my applications for the better. The extensive resources that Maria has meticulously curated and the thoughtful process behind creating this marvelous platform simply cannot be overstated.

The process begins with deep self-reflection, but I believe the heart of Applicant Lab is the "Essay Advice" section. The depth and breadth of research presented for each school is truly exceptional. Maria literally includes school visit videos and directly quotes admissions committee members from various programs. This comprehensive approach helps you understand the unique culture and expectations of each school.

The return on investment cannot be expressed enough—for the minimal price, you get access to all the resources required for application, from the self-reflection platform to interview and waitlist preparation. This incredible value proposition sets Applicant Lab apart from traditional consulting services that charge thousands of dollars.

What makes Applicant Lab even more valuable—perhaps its best-kept secret—is that you can reach out to Maria directly for guidance. She generously offers ideas and addresses fundamental questions. I discussed my approach for at least one essay with her, and her advice was invaluable. When I was waitlisted at Berkeley Haas, I was heartbroken and immediately emailed her. She compassionately responded with a detailed 15-minute video message explaining how to approach the situation effectively. Fortunately, within a week of receiving the waitlist notification, I received my Wharton admission!

I cannot emphasize enough how much credit for my Wharton acceptance belongs to Applicant Lab. Maria is brilliant and consistently provides best-in-class advice. I wholeheartedly recommend Applicant Lab—choose it without hesitation, and you'll certainly thank me later.

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