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Product mbaMission School Package
Consultant Kimberly Hoey
Kimberly Hoey was an INCREDIBLE partner in my MBA application journey and was critical in my admission to all of the schools I applied to: Kellogg, Darden, and Fuqua! I am incredibly grateful for her partnership, listening skills, and intelligent guidance - I cannot recommend her enough.
I was very unsure when beginning the application process in March 2024 (intending for Round 1) if I wanted to use an MBA consultant, but the 30 minute consultation sold me with Kim. Throughout the entire process, Kim helped me to really think deeply about my story, trends that existed in that story that I had never considered, and how to ultimately make this story cohesive. But what I appreciated the most, and was surprised by, was her ability to help me remain authentic to my true self and let admissions understand me (in X number of words or less)!
Kim became an expert on my story and I was so grateful to have such an intelligent coach to bounce ideas off of through the process and keep me accountable, as applying for an MBA can be a full time job in addition to an existing full time job. When it came to interviews, Kim made me feel confident in an area where I historically would be very worried. She was able to provide questions from past years and really simulate the interview environment - giving me tips on what to focus on for each school based on their core values and how it aligned with mine. Even though there were some questions I hadn't prepped directly, I was never caught off guard in an interview because of the way Kim helped me prepare and I am so grateful for the support she provided.
Kim was particularly helpful for me as my goal was to attend Kellogg and ultimately become an Assistant Brand Manager post-grad - which perfectly aligned with Kim's professional history (Kellogg grad and ex-Brand Manager!). She was able to counsel me so well within the specific industry I am hoping to pivot into from consulting.
I was also concerned that as a consultant applying among so many other consultants, my application would look somewhat stale - but Kim was able to really help me stand out even among many peers applying due to her expertise.
Overall, I can't recommend Kim enough as an MBA coach and friend! She was as invested as I was in the process which made me feel so supported through what can be a very scary and nerve wrecking application cycle! Completely worth the investment and I am excited to stay connected with Kim throughout my journey at Kellogg and beyond.
Product mbaMission School Package
Consultant Gavriella Semaya
I was referred to Gavriella by another consultant at mbaMission who thought we would be a good fit, and it was the luckiest thing to happen to me during the MBA admissions process as I would not have gotten in without her! Even before I received updates on interviews/admissions, I had learnt so much from Gavriella during the process that working with her had already more than paid off. I received 6 interviews and ultimately 5 acceptances from my top choice schools with significant scholarships from all - including HBS which I will be attending in the fall. I would wholeheartedly recommend working with Gavriella, as you will not only be in the strongest position for admissions, but you will also develop so much throughout the process.
From the start, she was great at ensuring that I was comfortable with the timelines and had specific milestones to aim for so I didn’t get overwhelmed in the lead-up to deadline day. I always felt she was very invested in my success and she went above and beyond in helping me craft the best applications. Her perceptive questions and insights during our brainstorming session were critical to generating creative and unique ideas to write about in my essays, and she was a trustworthy partner in refining my drafts to ensure that they were polished but still true to my personality. I had been on the fence about applying to some competitive schools, and Gavriella’s ability to offer straightforward advice whilst having your best interests at heart was invaluable in enabling me to feel confident in the choices I made.
Gavriella is very supportive, responsive and great at ensuring you stay motivated throughout what can be a long and gruelling process. No question is too small or silly for her to respond to; even when I was anxious about minor details of extra-curricular activities on the online forms she was happy to read through them multiple times.
Her support didn’t stop at the application form, as she dedicated a lot of time in interview preparation including putting me in touch with former clients to learn more about the various schools. From pre-interview preparatory questions to mock interviews with rigorous and detailed feedback, I felt very prepared for the real thing and this undoubtedly helped me relax and perform my best.
Gavriella is amazing, and I am incredibly thankful that she was by my side for the admissions process. She is more than just an admissions consultant - she is a coach, mentor and partner, and you will not regret working with her!
Product mbaMission School Package
Consultant Gavriella Semaya
Strengths:
Gavriella's deep investment in your results, high EQ, true thought partnership, nuanced understanding of different schools, and support every step of the way
Would make the product better:
N/A
Choosing to work with Gavriella was hands down the BEST decision that I made during my MBA admissions journey. I only have positive feedback to share from the process, and as someone who is more frugal, I saw the ROI of our partnership firsthand through MULTIPLE six-figure M7 scholarships.
I now understand why Gavriella has such positive feedback from every one of her clients. Gavriella makes you feel supported every step of the way, from brainstorming and storylining to support pre- and post-interviews; however, where she differentiates herself is in her ability to get to know her clients. It was important for me to find a consultant who wanted to get to know me as a person outside of my application. Gavriella went above and beyond and I truly believe that this was essential in putting my best foot forward. It resulted in a successful, cohesive story that I was proud to have as a representation of myself.
In addition to her exceptional guidance, I also appreciated how Gavriella gave honest perspectives (rather than just agreeing to please her clients). She has a deep knowledge of each MBA program and the differences between them, and there were many times where we actively discussed how to shape the direction of my application while balancing my own ideas and personal needs. If you value true co-creation and open discussion, then there’s no better place to go.
I genuinely couldn’t have picked a better coach, and for anyone on the fence, I recommend Gavriella without hesitation.
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Product mbaMission School Package
Consultant Susan Kaplan
Susan is truly a fantastic consultant who is extremely invested in understanding your unique story to help you articulate it in the best way possible.
While I had a good GMAT score and academic background, my years of experience at my time of application was lower than the average applicant. Susan really took the time and was invested in diving into my professional and personal background to help me identify examples that showcased the quality of my work experience, as well as unique personal experiences that set me apart.
Susan was very thorough and detailed in reviewing my essays and really pushed me to demonstrate why aspects of myself and my goals fit well with each of the schools I applied to. After submitting these applications, her support in the form of mock interviews was also extremely constructive. Through every iteration of my essays and interview responses, she was direct in communicating feedback, and the adjustments I made each time ultimately made me confident that we were highlighting my strengths in the best way possible.
With Susan’s guidance, I was admitted to Kellogg and Anderson with scholarships at both, and I’m extremely happy to be attending Kellogg this fall!
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Consultant Katharine Lewis
Katharine's support to my admission to GSB and Wharton was unparalleled. I applied from a traditional finance and demographic background, making it particularly important to me to differentiate myself from other candidates. Through brainstorming sessions with Katharine I was able to iterate on a story that in the process help me discover my authentic voice that eventually is what I believed resonated with the admission committee. In addition, her experience as a consultant truly came through when she was able to make me aware of resources at the different universities that I could highlight in my application. In addition to determining the right strategy, Katharine also will get into the weeds with you, iterating on all aspects of the application as many times as you want. I remember days before the application I would send countless emails on changing few words here and there and she would always be responsive without complaint. Most importantly, and what I believe really differentiates Katharine from the rest, is her unparalleled commitment to you as a person. Katharine took a vested interest me in as a person and went out of her way to connect me with people that would be valuable not only for my application process, but also my personal professional goals. Her commitment really came through when 48hrs before my Wharton application, when she probably was under stress from a lot of her clients, she still provided candid feedback that led to significant changes in my essay because she wanted to make sure we didn't compromise on the quality of the final product. Hours before the application deadline, she then helped me put the final touches on the application, and the efforts paid off with an admission to the university. The last piece was the interview process, during which Katharine agreed to have as many mock sessions I wanted and many of the pointers she gave me actually played out during the interview and resonated with my interviewer. Once again, Katharine highlighted her desire to go above and beyond by trying to find people who had previously been interviewed by my interviewer to personalize my experience as much as possible. Katharine's expertise as an MBA application coach is obviously unparallel, but once again reiterate her commitment to you as a person and genuine desire to go above and beyond for your success. I am truly grateful for Katharine and would not have succeeded without her support.
Product mbaMission School Package
Consultant Melissa Blakeslee
I was lucky enough to be referred to Melissa by a friend who had worked with her the year prior. I had introductory calls with other MBA admissions consultants, but none compared to Melissa. From our very first call, it was clear that she was fully committed to my success. She listened to my concerns and responded thoughtfully, without sugar-coating anything. I knew right away that her honesty and guidance were qualities I could always rely on and trust.
Melissa's expertise and approach are beyond exceptional. From the very beginning, during the brainstorming phase, she demonstrated a deep understanding of the typical challenges in the MBA application process and provided clear strategies to set us up for success from the start.
During the essay creation phase, Melissa not only offered transformative suggestions, but she also made sure the process remained true to me. She fostered a collaborative environment, making us feel like true partners in the process. She helped bring my ideas to life. Her attention to detail and commitment to showcasing my story were evident in every aspect of her work.
I can’t imagine going through the interview process without Melissa. She made sure I felt confident, always listening intently and responding thoughtfully during our mock sessions. Thanks to Melissa, I was able to sleep peacefully the night before each interview and felt incredibly excited afterward. She helped me get accepted to every school I interviewed with.
Working with Melissa led to my acceptance to seven top MBA programs, along with over $400,000 in scholarships. I wholeheartedly recommend Melissa to anyone seeking expert guidance. She is a true teammate in this process, and I can confidently say that I would not be in this position without her.
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Product mbaMission School Package
Consultant Katharine Lewis
Katy is an absolute pro and was instrumental in my admission to all the schools I applied to: HBS, GSB, Wharton, and Sloan! I am forever grateful and cannot recommend her enough!
From day one, Katy helped me see through-lines in my life that I had never considered, crystallize my story and communicate it in a way that was clear, compelling, and authentic. Her advice on recommendation letters was game-changing, especially for someone coming from a non MBA-feeder industry. When it came time for interviews, Katy’s prep sessions were second to none. Thanks to her years of experience, constructive feedback and positivity, I walked into every interview confident and ready. There wasn’t a single question that caught me off guard!
Katy strikes the perfect balance of directness, accountability, and encouragement making even the most stressful parts of the journey feel manageable. The relationship never feels transactional as Katy invests in her clients fully. More than that, she makes the entire process enjoyable, infusing every meeting with a few good laughs!
Katy isn’t just an MBA consultant - she’s a mentor and career coach. Her background as an HBS MBA, a McKinsey consultant and a Yale and Stanford undergrad bring a level of insight and mentorship that extend far beyond the application process. Her encouragement to explore new career possibilities helped broaden my perspective and shape my post-MBA goals in ways I had not anticipated!
I’m grateful to Katy not just for the spectacular admission results but also for the life-long connection we’ve built. If you’re looking for the best MBA coach in the business, look no further. She is truly one of a kind and worth every bit of the investment – and then some!
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Product mbaMission School Package
Consultant Jen Kedrowski
Strengths:
Jen is knowledgeable from years of experience in the world of MBA applications. She leveraged her network of other consultants and admissions officers to provide a clear picture of how the process would unfold. Furthermore, she really helped me approach the introspective element of the application and craft my story.
Would make the product better:
At times, Jen could have been a bit more direct/candid with her responses/color on schools. That being said, I do think she always provided valuable and actionable advice, especially when I came prepared with other information that I had heard from other people/resources.
Jen was incredibly generous with her time and feedback throughout the process. I didn't appreciate how nuanced the MBA application was until I started. While I do believe that you do not need a consultant to submit a successful MBA application, there were several instances where the direction of my essays and overall story drastically changed due to Jen's feedback (and I was ultimately accepted to my top choice, so I do think she provided tangible value here!). Jen was incredibly prompt with her responses and reliable. Whenever she did not know the answer, she always referred me to the right resources and followed up after researching further on her end. The MBA application is a challenging experience in terms of time, opportunity cost, and external pressures, and having Jen as both an advisor and a second set of eyes was reassuring. In addition, I recognize that it is not always easy to provide direct responses in a process as nuanced as the MBA application!
Product mbaMission School Package
Consultant Katharine Lewis
Strengths:
See review.
Would make the product better:
Nothing!
Hi all! I am a healthcare investor / UChicago grad. I worked with Katy on my apps to HBS, GSB, and Wharton HCM. With Katy’s help (plus a lot of luck), I got into all 3. Katy was fantastic – (1) kept me on pace with timelines (particularly helpful if you’re working a busy job during app process), (2) thoughtful sounding board when fleshing out story, with acute understanding of what does vs. does not resonate with adcomms, and (3) super generous with time (never felt transactional), particularly helpful during interview prep. In addition, Katy is a lot of fun to work with / we became friends over 6+ month app journey. Would highly recommend to anyone serious about getting into their “dream schools”. Best of luck to everyone!
Product mbaMission School Package
Consultant Jen Kedrowski
Strengths:
1. Personalized Approach: Jen took the time to deeply understand my unique story and helped me present it authentically and effectively.
2. Encouraging and Supportive: She built my confidence when I felt uncertain and encouraged me to push through challenges like standardized tests.
3. Responsiveness: Jen was incredibly prompt in answering questions and providing feedback, ensuring I stayed on track throughout the process.
4. Attention to Detail: Jen provided thoughtful, tailored feedback that significantly elevated the quality of my application materials.
5. Expert Guidance & Resources: Jen not only provided incredible personal support but also leveraged mbaMission’s extensive resources to help me throughout the entire process. From sample essays to brainstorming templates and detailed school guides, mbaMission’s tools were invaluable in supplementing her tailored guidance. These resources gave me clarity and structure, helping me stay organized and confident as I navigated the complex application process.
Would make the product better:
No feedback at this time
When I started the MBA application process, I had no idea how complex and time-consuming it would be. As a non-traditional applicant, I knew I needed to tie my story together and clearly articulate my post-MBA career goals. After doing extensive research on whether hiring a consultant was worth the investment and speaking with several top-rated consultants from Poets & Quants, I was initially hesitant. Consultants are expensive, and I wasn’t sure I’d get a strong return on investment. But from the moment I met Jen, all my doubts disappeared—I knew she was the right person to guide me through this journey.
I lacked confidence in my credentials, but Jen reaffirmed that I was a strong candidate. She helped me identify and highlight the unique elements of my story that made me stand out. Her guidance was invaluable, and she was always available to answer my (many) questions. Unlike some of my friends’ experiences with other consultants, who were unresponsive or slow to provide feedback, Jen was incredibly responsive and consistently delivered thoughtful feedback on my essays and application materials well before deadlines.
Jen’s support extended beyond essay editing. When I didn’t achieve my target GMAT score on my first attempt, she encouraged me to persevere and consider switching to the GRE. That encouragement was pivotal—I don’t think I could have overcome those challenges without her unwavering support.
What sets Jen apart is her human touch. She didn’t just see me as another applicant but as a unique individual, and she truly cared about my success and future. Her expertise in narrowing down my school list, refining my story, and navigating the application process was unparalleled.
The results speak for themselves. I applied to three schools (Haas, Ross, and Darden) and was admitted to all three, with scholarships ranging from $70,000 to $120,000. Jen was worth every penny, and I cannot recommend her enough. If you’re considering an MBA admissions consultant, you’ll be in the best hands with Jen!