GMAT Club

Hourly Services Reviews

For those who have identified specific needs and require focused advisory services, we offer "A la Carte" services.
5.0 /5 Average Rating
5 star
553
4 star
12
3 star
1
2 star
0
1 star
0
Based on 566 reviews

AI Super-Summary of Customer Reviews for Hourly Services*

These reviews highlight the impactful support and guidance provided by various MBA admissions consultants, who have helped clients shape compelling narratives, optimize application materials, and ultimately gain admission to top business schools. Reviewers consistently praise the consultants for their responsiveness, professionalism, and ability to provide personalized feedback that aligns with each client's strengths and goals. Several clients succeeded in securing admissions with scholarships, and emphasize the consultants' role in addressing application weaknesses and building confidence for interviews. Overall, it's clear that these consultants have made a significant difference in their clients' educational and professional journeys.
9 users mention "Admitted"
  • "With his guidance, I went from being lost and confused to getting into fantastic schools!..." Read more
  • "At the end of the process I got into my top school (Wharton)..." Read more
  • "Thanks to Kate, I was accepted into Kellogg..." Read more
  • "in securing my place at my top-choice program - HBS!..." Read more
  • "I am thrilled to say I got into my target MBA program Darden!..." Read more
  • "I was admitted to my #1 choice, Columbia Business School..." Read more
  • "I applied to Stanford MSx program and got admitted...." Read more
  • "I was accepted into all five of the top MBA programs I applied to...." Read more
  • "I worked with Julie-Anne for the MBA program and was admitted to both Columbia and Wharton...." Read more
5 users mention "Responsive"
  • "he is very quick to respond to emails and often provides detailed and thoughtful feedback on the same day..." Read more
  • "Michael is very experienced, responsive, and knows how to highlight your unique strengths..." Read more
  • "highly responsive to my needs...." Read more
  • "She was also very responsive and I never had to wait long for feedback...." Read more
  • "I was especially impressed with her responsiveness and availability, which were crucial given my tight deadlines and demanding work schedule...." Read more
3 users mention "Scholarship Awarded"
  • "offers of admission and scholarships from all 5 other schools. The lowest amount of scholarship I got was 50% of tuition, and I even got a full-ride scholarship..." Read more
  • "Harold guided me through the scholarship negotiation process, helping me leverage offers effectively to maximize my financial aid...." Read more
  • "I was accepted to an M7 program with full tuition..." Read more
3 users mention "Top-Tier School Focus"
  • "she was helping the clarity of my application through her artful guidance and deft editing...." Read more
  • "Debbie also gave a lot useful tips and strategic comments which allowed me to be more focus on the most important things...." Read more
  • "Julie-Anne has worked on getting many students in different programs so she knew what are good areas to be highlighted in essays and characteristics of different schools...." Read more
2 users mention "Non-traditional Backgrounds"
  • "As a non-traditional applicant, applying to business school was a bit intimidating. When I first met with Harshad, I could tell right away that I wanted to work with him. He is skilled at and passionate about crafting a story that is not only compelling to admissions committees but also speaks to your unique strengths...." Read more
  • "I come from a nontraditional background and knew that seeking the help of an admissions consultant was likely the best way for me to craft the best applications possible...." Read more
2 users mention "Interview Prep"
  • "Her warm personality made the stress and tediousness of MBA applications and interview prep easier to handle...." Read more
  • "Kate was also instrumental in preparing me for the interview process...." Read more
2 users mention "Free Consultation"
  • "I started my process at mbaMission with a 30-minute free consultation with the next available consultant..." Read more
  • "mbaMission offers a variety of service package. I chose the hourly service which allowed me to use the time flexibly and wisely...." Read more
2 users mention "Career Transition"
  • "Kate took the time to understand my unique background, career goals, and personal story...." Read more
  • "I came from financial services and decided I was ready to transition into consulting..." Read more
2 users mention "Value for Money"
  • "The cost is absolutely worth it...." Read more
  • "I believe the hourly service is a great value if you are particularly seeking assistance with the essay portion of your application...." Read more
2 users mention "Supportive"
  • "having someone in my corner who genuinely cared about my success made all the difference...." Read more
  • "providing unwavering support and motivation..." Read more
1 users mention "Reapplication Success"
  • "As a reapplicant, I could easily see how she was helping the clarity of my application through her artful guidance and deft editing...." Read more
1 users mention "Low GPA Success"
  • "Despite my below-average GPA, Harold s strategic insights led to my acceptance at Dartmouth Tuck and Chicago Booth, with significant scholarships, and admittance to another T10 school...." Read more
1 users mention "Industry Specialist"
  • "my professional background is in advertising/marketing, which is where Kim spent most of her career prior to doing MBA admissions and consulting work...." Read more
1 users mention "Career Changers"
  • "provide advice that was best tailored to help me achieve my goals. She was also able to be flexible as I decided what I wanted to do..." Read more
1 users mention "Resume Review"
  • "she felt that my resume was in good shape and it would be more beneficial for her to spend time refining my essays..." Read more
1 users mention "Time Management"
  • "she is really good at pushing you to think through what differentiates you and how you can highlight yourself..." Read more
1 users mention "Essay Editing"
  • "what was unnecessary and what needed fixing, without worrying about sugarcoating something I really appreciated...." Read more
*Review summaries are AI generated from 25 latest reviews in the past 2 years.
April 13, 2025
Afn24

Joined: Aug 03, 2021

Posts: 84

Kudos: 25

Verified GMAT Classic score:
590 Q43 V28 (Online)

The Guiding Hand Behind My Dream School Admit

REVIEWER IDENTITY VERIFIED by score report [?]

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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April 11, 2025
DingusKhan

Joined: Dec 20, 2024

Posts: 4

Kudos: 0

Verified GMAT Focus score:
645 Q78 V84 DI83

Kate is Great!

REVIEWER IDENTITY VERIFIED by score report [?]

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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April 06, 2025
bir66

Joined: Apr 03, 2025

Posts: 0

Kudos: 0

Verified GMAT Focus score:
645 Q80 V84 DI82 (Online)

mbaMission review

REVIEWER IDENTITY VERIFIED by score report [?]

I'd recommend working with Michael to as many people as I can. If you're serious about increasing your chances of getting into your dream school, reach out to Michael and work with him. He consistently made himself available on short notice and was always well prepared with advice and guidance.

Michael's consulting and guidance through the application and interview process was nothing short of amazing. I could not have achieved the success in my applications that I did without his help and counsel.

He was exceptional in his advice for essay improvement as well as mock interviews.

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April 05, 2025
EricB122

Joined: Oct 30, 2020

Posts: 1

Kudos: 0

Verified GMAT Classic score:
750 Q49 V42

Strengths:

Harold is truly exceptional. His deep knowledge of the MBA admissions process, strategic thinking, and ability to personalize advice to your unique background make him an invaluable partner. He listens carefully, challenges you in the right ways, and helps you tell your story in a powerful, authentic way. His feedback is thoughtful, fast, and always on point—he’s detail-oriented without ever losing sight of the big picture.

Would make the product better:

Honestly, nothing. Harold exceeded all my expectations and I can’t think of a single thing I’d change. He’s everything you’d want in an MBA admissions counselor—and more.

Working with Harold from mbaMission was easily one of the best decisions I made in my MBA journey. From day one, Harold brought not just deep knowledge of the MBA admissions landscape but also unmatched strategic insight, empathy, and a genuine belief in my story.

He helped me crystallize my goals, connect the dots across my personal and professional experiences, and uncover narratives I didn’t even realize were powerful. Harold never rushed me. He listened deeply, challenged me thoughtfully, and pushed me to dig deeper when it mattered most. He provided detailed essay feedback, sometimes turning around edits within hours, and always with comments that elevated my writing without losing my voice.

Beyond essays, Harold guided me through school selection, interview preparation, resume reviews, recommender strategy, and even navigating waitlists and post-interview follow-ups. He was always one step ahead with a clear plan, personalized advice, and genuine encouragement that kept me motivated through every high and low.

Thanks to Harold, I ended up with multiple M7 offers and most incredibly, a full ride to Wharton. I truly could not have done it without him.

If you are even thinking about applying to business school, do yourself the biggest favor and work with Harold. He is not just a counselor. He is a game changer.

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April 04, 2025
M7Applicant

Joined: Dec 28, 2023

Posts: 0

Kudos: 0

Gavriella is the Real Deal!

REVIEWER IDENTITY VERIFIED by school email address [?]

I first reached out to Gavriella through the free 30-minute call offered by MBA Missions. From that very conversation itself, I could see her passion for genuinely helping candidates. She took the time to understand my background and aspirations—even though we hadn’t formalized anything—and she never hesitated to guide me. Following our call, she sent me a detailed action plan outlining the next steps to improve my profile.
Despite not signing on, she continued to check in consistently, offering personalized advice every step of the way. Her willingness to share her time and expertise with no expectation in return truly set her apart.
I distinctly remember when I was uncertain about whether to retake my GMAT. Gavriella calmly explained that the GMAT was only one part of my application and reassured me that my score was strong enough. She helped me see the bigger picture—encouraging me not to waste time retaking the GMAT, but rather to focus on my application materials.
One aspect that particularly stood out was her proactive approach. When I shared my admission results with her, she suggested I use my offers strategically to negotiate scholarships—a strategy I hadn’t seriously considered until she mentioned it. She even offered to review several drafts of my application materials, providing thoughtful, pointed feedback that made my writing clearer and more compelling.
Although I eventually ended up at an M7, I truly believe that if I had worked with Gavriella through a full school package, my results could have been even more impressive—potentially securing offers from additional top programs with scholarships on the table. For anyone at the stage of choosing an admissions consultant, I highly recommend investing in expert guidance. Gavriella’s insights, empathy, and strategic thinking make her an outstanding MBA coach.
I wholeheartedly recommend Gavriella to anyone on their MBA journey. Her honesty and genuine passion for helping candidates shine through in everything she does—even when there’s no transaction involved—that says it all.

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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.
March 30, 2025
mbamissionclient

Joined: Mar 30, 2025

Posts: 0

Kudos: 0

Excellent Experience

REVIEWER IDENTITY VERIFIED by score report [?]

Working with Michael was a terrific experience from start to middle to finish. He was so incredibly attentive, responsive, and has impeccable attention to detail. I worked with him specifically on refining my admissions essays, and he provided thoughtful, line-by-line feedback that made a real difference. Michael was always patient and willing to explain his suggestions in depth if I ever needed further clarification. His insights helped me express my story more clearly and effectively. I'm grateful to say that, with his help, I’ve already been accepted to two of my top choices—with scholarships—and I feel much more confident overall.

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March 26, 2025
amo1175

Joined: Mar 26, 2025

Posts: 0

Kudos: 0

Can't recommend Harold enough!

REVIEWER IDENTITY VERIFIED by score report [?]

I had an incredible experience working with Harold as my MBA application consultant and highly recommend working with him. Throughout the process, he was attentive and genuinely helpful. He was instrumental in helping me craft the right narrative for my applications. I'm interested in Real Estate after my MBA and have only had experience at a few tech startups so far in my career, so it was essential for my background and story to make sense to the admissions staff. I wouldn't have gotten in to my top choice without Harold's help. He helped me iterate many times on the framing of my essays, selecting my recommenders, and generally giving useful advice, opinions, and encouragement throughout the process. I couldn't be more grateful. Thank you Harold!

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March 26, 2025
zdv2025

Joined: Mar 26, 2025

Posts: 0

Kudos: 0

Unparalleled Partner in the MBA Application Journey

REVIEWER IDENTITY VERIFIED by score report [?]

Strengths:

• Unmatched support and encouragement
• Exceptional communication and reliability
• Personalized and comprehensive guidance
• Above-and-beyond commitment
• Invaluable access to resources

Working with Harold Simansky from mbaMission was an absolutely exceptional experience. Going into the MBA application process, I knew I needed extra guidance and support, especially since I was coming from a less straightforward professional and personal background. I needed an admissions consultant who not only had the expertise and professionalism to navigate the complexities of the application process—including selecting the right programs, creating a strong personal narrative, and crafting impactful program-specific essays—but also someone whose personality would be a match for mine. After speaking with multiple consultants from several firms, it became clear that Harold was the right choice.

From the start, Harold’s positivity and genuine enthusiasm made a huge difference in helping me overcome my self-doubt and anxiety around the application process. He kept me grounded and steady through every stage, from strategizing about how to select and approach my recommenders to program-specific essay writing and editing, student and alumni outreach, interview preparation, and even waitlist strategies. Harold consistently went above and beyond, whether that meant scheduling calls at odd hours or pulling in insights from his network of “school-expert” colleagues from across mbaMission to provide targeted program-specific feedback.

One moment that truly stood out was during the holiday season when Harold was out of the office. Despite being on a break, he still found time to review my essays and provide feedback, which was invaluable as I was simultaneously working on applications for a vast number of Round 2 programs with deadlines in early January. Throughout the entire process, Harold's communication was exceptionally clear, and his response times were incredibly fast—even during crunch periods and at the absolute latest, I never had to wait more than a day to hear back from him. On the rare occasions when he could not provide immediate feedback, he made sure to promptly acknowledge receipt of my materials and clearly communicate when I could expect his input, which gave me peace of mind and kept us on track. His clear communication, reliability, and commitment were a huge relief, especially given that we were juggling a large number of applications at once.

Beyond Harold’s invaluable support, mbaMission’s resources were a significant boon. The firm’s online platform, onTrack, offered useful supplementary materials, recorded videos, and guidance that enhanced my preparation and application writing. While Harold was always my main point of contact and go-to resource, the platform’s resources gave me added confidence as I worked through each step.

Thanks to Harold’s guidance and unwavering support, I was admitted to a number of my top-choice programs, including Yale SOM and UCLA Anderson. His encouragement, patience, optimism, and belief in me were crucial in navigating the ups and downs of the process. I truly could not have done it without him, and I am deeply grateful for his partnership every step of the way.

I would highly recommend Harold to anyone seeking not just a consultant but a true advocate and ally throughout the MBA application journey.

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March 24, 2025
JoshuaD

Joined: Mar 24, 2025

Posts: 0

Kudos: 0

Verified GMAT Focus score:
565 Q72 V84 DI78

HAROLD SIMANSKY

REVIEWER IDENTITY VERIFIED by score report [?]

Strengths:

Every aspect of Harold's service was a strength. See review Below.

Would make the product better:

Nothing

My experience with Harold was exceptional. Stepping into MBA applications is DAUNTING, anyone will tell you it is INTIMIDATING, STRESSFUL, and DIFFICULT. Harold made it EASY, APPROACHABLE, and STRESS FREE. Harold knows the MBA admissions game. Having Harold as my partner in this made me feel like I was set out for success in the process from meeting 1 through the last. He provided thoughtful engagement with the material that I provided him, getting materials submitted back to me within 24 hours. Where Harold stands out to me from any other advisor, I have ever worked with is that he made me feel like I was his only client even though he has MANY. I am convinced that Harold never stops working for his clients. During my time with Harold, I spoke with him DAILY, often bouncing essay drafts back and forth at least 2 times a day. My MBA journey was important to me, and it felt like it was even MORE important to Harold. As I worked full time for a large bank, Harold would hop on facetimes with me at 6:00 am 3-4 times a week, and for the days I had to be at work early, he would hop on facetimes with me at 11:00 pm just so we could get my essays perfect. Closer to deadlines Harold made sure he was available sometimes meeting with me 2 days in a row just to make sure everything was set. I remember submitting my very first application, Harold stayed on the phone with me at 11:30 pm just to make sure I didn’t miss anything and was comfortable with the process. When I was ready to interview at my target program Georgetown University, Harold prepared me with questions two weeks in advance going over what to say, how long to say it, and much more. The night before I interviewed, Harold set up a facetime just to go over the interview prep one last time, and the day of he called me to check in to see how I was feeling and to give me a pep talk beforehand. Harold was a genuine partner through this whole process, and I highly regard and recommend him. This fall I will attend Georgetown University for my MBA and I 100% could not have done it without Harold. 5 stars is not enough!

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March 20, 2025
nealyn5

Joined: Mar 20, 2025

Posts: 0

Kudos: 0

Verified GMAT Classic score:
710 Q47 V40

Nisha is a Top Tier Admissions Consultant

REVIEWER IDENTITY VERIFIED by score report [?]

Strengths:

- Quick turnarounds
- Pointed and tailored advice

Would make the product better:

- N/A

Nisha is an excellent admissions consultant and I would highly recommend her! She provided pointed and tailored advice to ensure my unique assets and qualities were able to be effectively conveyed in my MBA applications. Throughout the MBA application process, Nisha provided quick turnarounds and helped me achieve the necessary polish I needed for a well-rounded and holistic application. She consistently worked with me to understand who I am as a person and how that can be effectively conveyed in order to showcase my authenticity in addition to my academic and community-based accomplishments. Nisha's work style is very upbeat and positive - it was a pleasure collaborating!

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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 and confirmed that this reviewer indeed took the GMAT, is unique, and has not submitted multiple reviews.

84 Older and Non-Verified Reviews for mbaMission