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Product mbaMission Hourly Services
Consultant Harold Simansky
Strengths:
Harold’s strengths lie in his ability to combine strategic insight with a truly personal, human approach. He didn’t just help me craft strong applications — he helped me uncover and articulate the deeper motivations behind my decision to pursue an MBA in the first place. That kind of clarity became the foundation for every essay, interview, and school choice I made. He was also incredibly responsive and generous with his time — always willing to hop on a call or offer feedback with very quick turnaround. I never felt like I was going through this alone. What made the biggest impact, though, was that Harold genuinely understood me. That level of personal investment made all the difference.
Would make the product better:
Honestly, nothing. Harold exceeded every expectation I had. His support was comprehensive, timely, and deeply personalized. I always felt like a priority — not once did I feel like anything was missing from the process.
Working with Harold was hands-down the most important decision I made during my MBA admissions journey. I initially came to Harold thinking I wanted to apply to Executive MBA programs, but he encouraged me to take a step back and really reflect on where I was in my career and what I wanted out of the next phase of my life. That conversation led me to explore the Sloan Fellows programs — an option I hadn’t considered before — and I’m so glad I did. I ultimately got admitted to every school I applied to, including Stanford MSx, MIT Sloan Fellows, and the Rotman One-Year MBA. I truly couldn’t have done it without Harold.
Harold was incredibly engaged at every step of the process. He didn’t just review my essays or give surface-level feedback — he really took the time to get to know me. We met countless times over several months, and I always felt like I had his full attention. He helped me clarify my values and drivers before I even began writing, which made the entire application feel more authentic and grounded. His turnaround time was incredibly fast, and the feedback was always sharp, constructive, and deeply thoughtful. He even brought in one of his colleagues to run additional mock interviews with me to help me see different angles — a move that reflects how invested he was in my success.
What stood out most was Harold’s personal commitment. He truly cared. I never felt like just another client. He understood my story, believed in me, and helped me show up as my best and most honest self in every application and interview.
If you’re serious about applying to a top MBA or Fellows program and want someone who’s strategic, compassionate, and personally invested in your success — Harold is the person you want by your side.
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Consultant Susan McInerny
Strengths:
Susan brings a rare combination of strategic insight and heartfelt mentorship, helping applicants craft compelling, authentic narratives that stand out. Her deep cross-sector experience and genuine investment in her clients’ success make her an invaluable guide through every step of the MBA journey.
Would make the product better:
Because Susan invests so deeply in each client, her availability can be limited during peak application season. That said, Susan does a great job of sharing her availability and expected deadlines for review.
Working with Susan was hands down one of the best decisions I made during the MBA application process. She wasn’t just an advisor—she was a true mentor, confidante, and champion from day one. Susan brought a unique blend of warmth, candor, and strategic insight that made me feel fully supported at every step, and her guidance played a pivotal role in helping me gain admission to Columbia Business School. Her ability to help you uncover your authentic story and frame it in a way that resonates with top programs is unmatched. With her incredible career experience across sectors and her genuine investment in your success, Susan brings a perspective and level of care that’s incredibly rare. Even after hitting “submit,” she remained a steady source of encouragement and advice, showing just how much she cares about her clients beyond the application. If you have the chance to work with Susan—take it. You’ll walk away with not only a stronger application, but a lifelong mentor and friend.
Product mbaMission School Package
Consultant Michael Guttman
Strengths:
1-1 interactions and ability to really engage with the consultant.
Would make the product better:
pricing
Michael was excellent to work with! He was extremely helpful throughout the process, working with me to better understand my Post MBA goals and how to articulate them meaningfully to admissions. It can be very challenging to reflect on short and long term goals, but Michael was there to eagerly coach me along the way. He also offered thorough feedback throughout the application process and has a real knack for identifying ways to make essays more concise. When it comes to communication, Michael was very responsive to ensure all my questions were answered quickly.
No doubt he contributed greatly to my highly successful admissions round including acceptance to Johnson/Ross/Darden/Tuck/Kellogg. I even received substantial scholarship money at many of these schools. At the start of my application process, I couldn’t even imagine such results. If you are serious about getting admitted to a top MBA program and are willing to put in the work, then I would highly recommend working with Michael. You will not regret it!
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Consultant Gavriella Semaya
I got into my dream school — Michigan Ross — and I truly owe a huge part of that to Gavriella.
From the very beginning, I wasn’t sure I would be a strong enough candidate. Coming from a very competitive applicant pool, I had a lot of self-doubt. But Gavriella saw something in me that I couldn’t always see in myself. She encouraged me to apply to Ross even when I wasn’t confident, and she kept lifting me up throughout the process — whether it was helping with school research, building my story, or preparing for the interview.
One of the things that helped me most was her feedback on my essays. She helped me keep the narrative clear and focused, while also making sure I stayed within the word limit. Her suggestions made a huge difference and helped my story come through in a strong, structured way.
There were times when I felt like giving up or playing it safe, but Gavriella kept reminding me why I started and pushed me to aim higher. She helped me see the value of my experiences and that I deserved to be in these top programs.
She also supported me beyond the application — including providing a thoughtful email template to help me request scholarship consideration. I’m happy to share that I received a scholarship from the Tauber Institute for Global Operations, and her guidance definitely played a role in that outcome too.
What makes her stand out isn’t just her knowledge, but how much she genuinely cares. She doesn’t just help you write an application — she helps you believe in your story.
If you’re looking for someone who will be honest with you, guide you well, and always have your back, I can’t recommend Gavriella enough.
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Consultant Harshad Mali
I don’t think I would have been able to secure an admit to the MIT Sloan Fellows program if it hadn’t been for Harshad. At the start of my application journey, I spoke to multiple consultants and coaches across India and the US, but none gave me the conviction or confidence that I could actually get into MIT.
Several consultants in India even advised me to steer away from top U.S. schools, citing my overrepresented background as a barrier. Many of the U.S.-based consultants felt too transactional.
That changed the moment I was referred to Harshad by a former Stanford student who had worked with him. From our very first conversation, I felt a sense of clarity and confidence that he was someone who could help me put together the strongest possible application.
Working with Harshad was seamless. He was extremely organized, structured in his communication, and often reviewed my drafts well before the agreed turnaround time. He never watched the clock, our calls regularly went beyond the scheduled time, and he always ensured we had fully addressed the discussion’s purpose.
What truly stood out was his honest and critical feedback. Whether it was for my essays or my mock interview prep, he pushed me to bring out my best. Even after receiving the admit, Harshad has continued to stay in touch, offering his advice on next steps and sharing his perspective on post-MBA opportunities in the U.S. I honestly doubt many consultants would have done the same.
While I was initially unsure about the investment required to engage with him, in hindsight, it was completely worth it. Without Harshad, I wouldn’t have been able to achieve my dream of getting into MIT. I’m incredibly grateful for his support, not just as a consultant, but also as a mentor, a friend, and a brother.
I highly recommend him, and I can say with complete confidence that he will make a meaningful difference in your application journey.
Joined: Aug 28, 2024
Posts: 0
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Verified GMAT Focus score:
695 Q79 V85 DI89 (Online)
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Product mbaMission School Package
Consultant Harshad Mali
Strengths:
Harshad grasped the specific requirements of each program and guided me in refining my essays for succinct, targeted responses to the questions.
Collaborating with Harshad Mali of mbaMission was pivotal to my MBA application success. His understanding of each target school's culture and admissions nuances provided the foundation for a winning strategy.
Aiming for a combination T10 MBA/T3 real estate program, I was concerned that I would not be able to overcome my younger age disadvantage. Harshad was honest about my inexperience but skillfully addressed this by developing a unique strategy that leveraged my volunteer work and family history, positioning my background as an advantage for top-tier admissions committees.
Throughout the process, Harshad kept me on task with specific, actionable feedback that refocused every part of my application. He took the time to understand me deeply - exploring my professional ambitions, personal motivations, and family influences. With this holistic approach, he helped me build a narrative that resonated with NYU Stern’s focus on EQ and leadership.
Harshad’s strategic insights and dedicated support enabled me to secure a spot at NYU Stern T6/T2, my target program. His expertise was truly transformative, and I enthusiastically recommend Harshad Mali to any applicant targeting the top-ranked MBA programs.
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Consultant Katharine Lewis
I feel fortunate to have worked with Katy on my re-application to the Stanford GSB and MIT Sloan. Working with Katy was an outstanding experience from start to finish. From our very first free consultation, it was clear that Katy not only had a deep understanding of the MBA admissions process, but also was genuinely passionate about helping clients succeed.
Katy really understood me – my background as an applicant from Asia, my career aspirations and what motivates me. I would recommend anyone to work with Katy if they are looking for someone who can guide them not only through the applications, but also through a journey of self-discovery. Katy was professional, friendly and encouraging throughout our time working together. Thank you Katy!
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Consultant Kate Richardson
Strengths:
Confidence in your application, expert advice on essay writing, flexible meeting times, and stellar interview preparation.
Would make the product better:
N/A
Kate was incredibly helpful throughout my application process, offering invaluable support that ultimately helped me get into my dream school. Her guidance on essay writing was expert and insightful, giving me the confidence to present my best self. She was also extremely flexible with meeting times, accommodating my busy schedule without any issues. Kate was very easy to work with, making the entire process smooth and stress-free. The interview preparation she provided was stellar, equipping me with the skills and confidence needed to excel. Overall, Kate's support was instrumental in my success, and I highly recommend her services to anyone navigating the application process.
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Consultant Melissa Blakeslee
I feel incredibly lucky to have had Melissa by my side throughout this amazing journey. I’m so so much grateful that she was with me from the very beginning till just a few days ago, when I got that call from GSB!
Melissa guided me in connecting the dots of my story, helping it absolutely shine. Her memory (she remembers every small detail!), genuine kindness, and proactive inspiration were invaluable—not just along the way, but especially when I needed her the most. She was always approachable, supportive, and made our conversations feel like I know her many years, not just a couple of months. Moreover, Melissa consistently stayed ahead of every deadline outlined in our contract, often working weekends to ensure everything moved forward smoothly.
She is honest, smart, and incredibly inspiring. Working with her never felt like a typical client-consultant relationship; instead, it felt like creating something awesome with a good friend. (Tip: If you decide to work with Melissa, definitely ask her for a cool gif!)
Melissa was the thoughtful partner I could only have wished for, a wonderful friend (she still is!), and the brightest guiding light for me. I wholeheartedly recommend her to anyone shooting for the stars! ❤️
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Consultant Katharine Lewis
I might be biased, but Katy Lewis is simply the best. She helped me get into Stanford GSB, Chicago Booth, Northwestern Kellogg, and a few other top10 programs with half- and full- merit-based tuition scholarships.
As an older candidate in the biotech industry, and a Chinese candidate, I know it is very challenging to get into top MBA programs, not to mention half and full rides. But Katy helped me realize my dream.
I feel extremely lucky to have the opportunity to work with Katy on my applications. I would never get into Stanford GSB without her. There are SO MANY things that I am grateful for her, and here are a few key takeaways:
1. The brainstorming sessions. For me, this is probably the most valuable experience working with her. I remember I sent her a 30-page brainstorming document and she read it all and subsequently spent 4 hours with me to figure out my story and my differentiators. It helped me connect the dots, and made me realize the pattern of my life events and the theme of my story. It also inspired me to dive deep into my past experiences and learn how to tell my story. I loved the theme she helped me developed and till this day, I still believe that it truly reflects who I am as a person. And it also constantly serves as a reminder that I need to continue to scaffold on what I have built
2. The editing. She has a fast turnaround time, even when she is on vacation! When I was waitlisted by Stanford GSB and rejected by HBS in round 1, she offered to look at my round 2 materials for free when she was on vacation during Christmas! I really appreciate it. In addition, she is one of the best writers and very detail-oriented! In some of my documents, she even found that I spelled my boss's name wrong!
3. The mock interviews. There are so many useful materials on OnTrack, and I loved these. But my absolute favorite material is her own PowerPoint summaries - very detailed instruction, and very useful tips, and I used it as a "bible" for my interviews. I also loved our mock interview sessions and how she help me phrase my answers and tell my stories.
4. Last but not least, she is such a kind and wonderful person! Extremely smart, and deeply cares about her clients. She is a great mentor and friend! It was a long process and I am grateful that I have her as my mentor!
Highly recommend her!