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
568
4 star
13
3 star
1
2 star
0
1 star
0
Based on 582 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 18, 2025
JackUkProb

Joined: Apr 18, 2025

Posts: 0

Kudos: 0

MbaMission : Harold Simansky Review - 5*

REVIEWER IDENTITY VERIFIED by score report [?]

Strengths:

-

Would make the product better:

-

As an international student applying to US MBA programs, the whole process a bit of a black box. No one teaches you about it and you aren't exposed often to alumni that can explain the intricacies of applying.

I met Harold in August. I was accepted into HBS in March. This is a LONG period of time and it is a lonely journey. I 100% would not have achieved this objective without him.

Harold was a star throughout but three things shine particularly bright :

1 Exceptional guidance : Harold knows the journey well and had an incredible ability to help me correctly prioritise tasks and assess trade offs. When was it better to focus on GMAT/GRE and when to focus on essays? Which schools to start with ? Which essays first ? This made my journey much more calm and filled in gaps most of us have when doing this application process

2 Dedication & professionalism : Getting the school you want is really important and that's why you'd use external support in the first place. When you are feeling stressed, knowing the person supporting you truly has your back is invaluable. Not that I think he should, but Harold regularly took calls on holidays, at odd hours given his family commitments and regularly provided excellent feedback in short turnaround times, often faster than officially agreed turnaround times. This gave me energy and confidence across the journey

3 Rare blend of creative and logical : Harold has an excellent brain. On the one hand, rigorous, honest, challenging and thorough. On the other, creative, inventive and visionary. This means he is able to spar with you on multiple fronts and help you create and iterate on work until it is both cogent and compelling.

I would highly recommend Harold to anyone looking for support.

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April 16, 2025
erl1311415

Joined: Aug 05, 2024

Posts: 0

Kudos: 0

Highly Recommend

REVIEWER IDENTITY VERIFIED by school email address [?]

Susan is an all-star: she is whip smart, an expert in her field, and an emotionally attuned cheerleader for what can be a very taxing process. I got into every school I applied to, including Harvard, Stanford, and Wharton, a homerun outcome for which Susan deserves a lot of credit. Susan is generous and flexible with her time; even as an hourly client, I knew she was in my corner and available when I needed her. She is the best in the business -- I am so glad I chose to work with her and now consider her a friend. I highly recommend that you do the same!

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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 16, 2025
miguels1

Joined: Mar 16, 2022

Posts: 7

Kudos: 1

Verified GMAT Focus score:
705 Q84 V90 DI81

Christine is an absolute rockstar!

REVIEWER IDENTITY VERIFIED by score report [?]

Strengths:

Working with Christine was one of my best decisions during my R2 MBA application journey. From the moment we started working together in November, she became so much more than just an advisor. She was a coach, a thought partner, and a source of calm and encouragement that helped me push through tight deadlines with confidence.
Christine’s sincere and honest feedback helped me discover dimensions of my story I hadn’t seen in myself. She had a great ability to connect dots I hadn’t thought to link, often revealing deeper themes that made my essays come alive.
She also personally invested in my success in a way that went far beyond what I expected. Whether it was turning around drafts in record time (including over the Christmas holidays!) or jumping on calls to help me find clarity under pressure, she always showed up with empathy, focus, and invaluable insights on the admission process. Her dedication was unwavering, and in moments when I was running on fumes, she brought the energy I needed to keep going.
What makes her an absolute rockstar is how deeply she cares. Throughout the months we worked together, she believed in me and always encouraged me to stay authentic, pushed me to dig deeper, and always made sure my voice remained at the center of everything I submitted.
I began the application process without the intention of hiring a consultant, but looking back, Christine’s guidance was invaluable and definitely played a key role in my admission into my top schools: HBS, GSB, and Wharton.
If you’re considering working with her, don’t hesitate. Christine isn’t just a great consultant, she’s a game-changer. I can say with complete confidence: she’s the real deal.

Would make the product better:

n.a.

Working with Christine was one of my best decisions during my R2 MBA application journey. From the moment we started working together in November, she became so much more than just an advisor. She was a coach, a thought partner, and a source of calm and encouragement that helped me push through tight deadlines with confidence.
Christine’s sincere and honest feedback helped me discover dimensions of my story I hadn’t seen in myself. She had a great ability to connect dots I hadn’t thought to link, often revealing deeper themes that made my essays come alive.
She also personally invested in my success in a way that went far beyond what I expected. Whether it was turning around drafts in record time (including over the Christmas holidays!) or jumping on calls to help me find clarity under pressure, she always showed up with empathy, focus, and invaluable insights on the admission process. Her dedication was unwavering, and in moments when I was running on fumes, she brought the energy I needed to keep going.
What makes her an absolute rockstar is how deeply she cares. Throughout the months we worked together, she believed in me and always encouraged me to stay authentic, pushed me to dig deeper, and always made sure my voice remained at the center of everything I submitted.
I began the application process without the intention of hiring a consultant, but looking back, Christine’s guidance was invaluable and definitely played a key role in my admission into my top schools: HBS, GSB, and Wharton.
If you’re considering working with her, don’t hesitate. Christine isn’t just a great consultant, she’s a game-changer. I can say with complete confidence: she’s the real deal.

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April 16, 2025
jamesparkerw

Joined: Apr 16, 2025

Posts: 0

Kudos: 0

Admitted to Every School — Thanks to Harold’s Expert Guidance

REVIEWER IDENTITY VERIFIED by score report [?]

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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April 16, 2025
nicolecmele

Joined: Aug 26, 2024

Posts: 0

Kudos: 0

MBA Admissions- worth every penny

REVIEWER IDENTITY VERIFIED by score report [?]

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.

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April 13, 2025
Afn24

Joined: Aug 03, 2021

Posts: 82

Kudos: 26

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: 0

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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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.
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.

85 Older and Non-Verified Reviews for mbaMission