| All Reviews > mbaMission > School Package Reviews |
Product mbaMission School Package
Consultant Jessica Shklar
I worked with Jessica to prepare a R1 application via a 2 school package. The free consultation in the beginning before I even signed up for the package was what sold me. Right from the beginning, she was very straightforward in terms of evaluating my application, and I felt that she was earnest in trying to really give a me a free consultation as opposed to making a sale. She went straight to some crucial questions, and provided insightful initial feedback. Throughout the process, Jessica made the application process much less stressful in the following ways:
1) Very professional and organized, made the 2-business day turnaround with every single e-mail or piece of writing I sent her, no matter how small
2) Multiple edits of an essay until I felt like it was the best expression of my story and message that I could make
3) Insight into applying to b-school from a unique background. Preparing my application with Jessica made me feel confident in my chances despite my background.
4) Review of nearly every single word that I submitted in my application, I truly felt I had another pair of eyes working with me throughout the entire process
5) An extremely helpful mock interview that was very close to the real interview. Provided insightful but realistic advice prior to my interview
6) Extremely supportive throughout the entire process, from creating a story, preparing the rest of the application, the interview process, and the waitlist process. It was always comforting to receive check-in emails throughout the process, including anxiety-ridden days like the day before application submission, day before interview invites, day of interview, waitlist period.
I was waitlisted at my top choice in R1. While discouraged, I received support from Jessica throughout the next grueling few months. She helped me craft an update letter that ultimately led to an acceptance off the waitlist at HBS!
Overall, Jessica was instrumental to my success in this application cycle, and I cannot imagine going through this process without her. I highly recommend applicants to at least schedule a consultation with her to see for yourself the ways that she may be able to help augment your application process. In the grand scheme, the school package was definitely worth it, as it made me feel that she was always on my side working with me to get the best application possible.
REVIEWER IDENTITY VERIFIED by score report [?]
Product mbaMission School Package
Consultant Jessica Shklar
I cannot understate how important Jessica was to the success I had applying to top programs. Even beginning from our first brainstorming call, I knew she was deeply invested in my success and took the time to get to know me and really understand my story.
Her knowledge of the nuances of individual programs was immensely helpful, and I felt that together we really tailored all of my apps to individual school values. Jessica is an excellent storyteller/writer/editor and really helped me sharpen my narrative. Her edits, which were often returned ahead of schedule, were always crisp and insightful. I have no doubt that the applications I eventually submitted were far more professional as a result of working with her.
I feel Jessica really stands out in the level of mentorship/support she provides to her clients. Whenever I had a random question about a program or was feeling uncertain about a portion of my app, she would provide thorough guidance via email or pick up the phone at a moment’s notice to guide me.
Overall, I was admitted to 5 M7 programs, including numerous scholarship offers. I firmly believe I would not have had that success if it were not for Jessica and her expert guidance.
I highly recommend working with her. You will not be getting some general, unspecific advice—you will be getting highly tailored, individualized guidance from someone who has an unparalleled amount of industry knowledge and cares deeply about the success of her clients.
Joined: Aug 31, 2017
Posts: 0
Kudos: 0
Self-reported Score:
540 Q36 V28
690 Q44 V40
710 Q49 V39
730 Q48 V41
Product mbaMission School Package
Consultant Jessica Shklar
I worked with Jessica for 2020 intake and I can confidently say that was the best decision I could’ve made in my MBA journey. She saw promise in someone who didn’t necessarily see it in themselves. Now, I’ll be attending my dream MBA program this fall and I am incredibly thrilled!
A little background on my profile – 3.0 GPA from an average international university with 3 years experience in the world of finance (middle-office for a trading desk). My target school was a very competitive M7 program. In my mind a longshot. In Jessica’s mind, quite doable if I put forth the necessary effort.
From the initial call, we began to strategize as to how I could position myself best for upcoming applications. She provided support and guidance through the initial steps of GMAT and building out a more robust profile. Once it came time to start on applications, Jessica’s insight and guidance were key. There are two key insights that she brings via experience – what experiences/things AdComs look for in an application, and, most importantly, how to tell your story in a gripping and unique manner while also showing them your authentic self.
Additionally, her directness forced me to be honest with myself and her energy consistently motivated me to be and do better. She was quick with valuable feedback and if she needed a second opinion, she would not hesitate to ask a colleague to aid in the process.
When I was accepted to my target program, I walked away from the experience thinking how lucky I was to have had the chance to work with Jessica. I guarantee, if you choose to work with Jessica and put in the level of effort she requires, you’ll walk away with an unparalleled experience and the knowledge that you could not have put forth a better application.
No question, if I had to redo the process, I wouldn’t change a thing - thanks Jessica!
Product mbaMission School Package
Consultant Jessica Shklar
Jessica was an invaluable ally and friend throughout the MBA admissions process. She always provided thoughtful and candid feedback, critical insight about the application process, and friendly reminders about the myriad of deadlines when balancing multiple applications. It was evident even from my first free consultation that Jessica cared deeply about each client and really focused on getting to know each of them. If you are considering an MBA consultant, schedule a free consultation now before she books up, you won’t regret it!
The thing I want to highlight is how Jessica’s diverse set of experiences makes her the perfect sounding board as you assemble your application. First, she earned her undergrad in anthropology, which opens up a whole new dimension of perspectives as you discuss your experiences and goals. Second, she is an HBS graduate, who clearly understands what it takes to be admitted and succeed at a top tier MBA program. Finally, after HBS she volunteered to help public school students with their college applications, which shows you this is truly her passion.
Product mbaMission School Package
Consultant Jessica Shklar
I really don t know where to start from, I have so many wonderful things to write about Jessica.
I’m an Indian engineer, working in my family business in the manufacturing sector. My sister had worked with Jessica a few years ago and recommended that I speak with her, when I decided that I wanted to go to Business School. I had a lot of concerns before my 30 minute call with Jessica - applying from an extremely competitive pool, a low undergrad GPA, an average GRE score. But Jessica in those 30 minutes made me look at the positives in my profile and immediately made me feel like my dream of getting an MBA from one of the M7 schools was possible. After the call I signed up for a 4 school complete package.
Jessica is an amazing storyteller, she helped me craft interesting stories by highlighting aspects from my profile in a way that I had never thought of before. Jessica really helped me prioritize and get things done. She was with me throughout the process, from looking at each and every word in my essay to helping me prepare for the interviews. She’s extremely patient, she worked with me on essays till I was happy with the outcome, I remember going over 10-12 drafts for almost every essay for the 4 schools that I applied to. Because of all of Jessica’s inputs and honest feedback, I was extremely happy with the way my applications looked when I hit submit. Jessica was always available, because of the time difference I remember sending her emails with doubts at weird hours but almost always received instant replies.
I can say confidently that I was admitted to Columbia Business School only because of Jessica’s help. She made my otherwise far-fetched dream possible.
If you’re thinking of applying to Business School, I highly recommend working with Jessica!
Product mbaMission School Package
Consultant Harshad Mali
Harshad helped me get through what ended up being a two-year process of applying for an MBA and I would not have got into an M7 school without him. I got the start to finish package, and deferred the first year due to having to retake the GMAT, and honestly, due to not feeling professionally or personally prepared. When I reconnected with Harshad last year to apply in R2, he was so encouraging by mentioning that he could tell that I had matured. During our first session, which ended up lasting three hours, I was able to unload everything that had happened in the past couple years and we were able to get a handle on the best areas of my application (short of essays and recommendations) and the areas that would require the most attention. I felt that I was in good hands.
Harshad is sincere without sugarcoating, helpful without being harsh. It's the reason I sought him out. Once we completed brainstorming, he not only went into depth in reviewing essays for my top choice school, but also reviewed my ideas/outlines for the other schools. His concise, honest advice was much appreciated, down to simple formulas for each type of essay question. Harshad is incredibly kind, but will not mince words in telling you what will work and what will not work. Applicants can greatly benefit from trusting his broad experience with MBA applicants and course corrections. He clearly explained how certain ideas would come off to the adcoms, and what needed to be corrected in my essays, and even what to leave in and what to leave out in my optional essay. He also gave me a quick breakdown
Harshad is also incredibly encouraging. I can recall at least two occasions that I was simply feeling overwhelmed and not confident, and he set up a quick call with me to provide me with perspective. He reiterated that he was impressed with the work I had put in and the strengths of my application, and that he is confident in me.
In short, if you appreciate someone who can deftly balance encouragement with constructive criticism, and someone who can help you stay focused on the prize, I highly recommend Harshad as your MBA consultant.
Product mbaMission School Package
Consultant Nisha Trivedi
I had the pleasure of working with Nisha on two of my Round 1 Applications and could not recommend her services anymore. From the very start of the engagement, I could tell that Nisha had a deep understanding of the programs I was applying to and how I should best position my story in order to stand out to their Admissions Committees. This was critical in both the resume and essay development as she knew which qualities were the most important to display in each. Nisha also had a remarkable turnaround time for any feedback. It was rare that I ever waited more than 24 hours for a revision and she always provided very candid and very direct advice. This truly made it feel like she was your partner in this process who was just as invested in your success as you were. Nisha helped make a complex and, at times, seemingly unattainable process both manageable and within reach. I can not imagine having successfully navigated through this without her help at each step.
Product mbaMission School Package
Consultant Debbie Choy
Super thrilled when I heard back from Haas that I got in! I shared the news first with Debbie since I knew this was a great job we completed together! I feel very grateful about her advice, supports, and efforts during this long application process and would strongly recommend you to work with her!
First of all, she was patient and honest. It was already last year near the end of November that I purchased the "1 school package" from MBAmission. I was hesitating about applying for an MBA, very lost and also doubted myself. During our first talk, I opened up with her coz I felt her sincerity in getting to know me. She asked me to think about what I wanted to do 10 years later. She used real examples to let me know an introvert personality would not be a problem to get into a business school. She also advised me on the school selection to ensure that I could maximize my chances of success. Her efforts helped me build confidence and beat the fear of the tight schedule.
Secondly, she was very creative. During our brainstorming call, although I had some ideas about the essay, it was her who helped me connect the spots and figure out the main theme. Her advice on selecting examples to support the theme were also very valuable. In addition, I highly appreciate Debbie's editing! As an engineer, I am not good at writing essays. Debbie shared me some effective tips in telling stories. She made great comments on how to improve the way I organized the essay and how to keep my flow concise and logical.
I really enjoyed working with Debbie! In the beginning, I was not sure about the big investment in admission consulting service, but after the cooperation with her, I feel everything is worthwhile!
REVIEWER IDENTITY VERIFIED by school email address [?]
Product mbaMission School Package
Consultant Harold Simansky
I decided to apply for my EMBA at Sloan really late in round 2. I started my application process late November and I engaged Harold one month before the dateline and I don't think I would have made it and finish my application without having him coaching and preparing me for the admissions process.
Harold was an amazing mentor and consultant. He helped a lot during the brainstorming stage of my application and walk me through the different aspect of how I should position my submission. He was detailed in his approach, provided tons of feedback, reading materials (he has a lot of good tips) and was always on time with his reviews and comments. He gave tremendous amount of insight to the admissions process and got me to focus on what mattered the most in a short period of time.
One thing I really appreciate about Harold is that he is always available to me when I needed him. I live in Asia and being in a different time zone he was always accommodative and offered to work with me so that it fits my schedule.
During the interview process, he worked with me closely to do several mock interviews. His interviews questions got me mentally ready for my face-to-face with Sloan.
I think the whole admissions process would have been extremely daunting if not for Harold. Harold is also really patient and works well with clients remotely and in different time zones. I would highly recommend him. (and yes, I got admitted).
Product mbaMission School Package
Consultant Jessica Shklar
Bottom Line Up Front: Jessica turned my long-shot application into an acceptance letter from my dream school.
As a 30+ year old military applicant w/ <55% GRE and an average undergrad GPA, I had a steep hill to climb when it came to gaining admission to top MBA programs. Even though I knew my applications were a reach she always kept me focused on what mattered: bolstering strengths, mitigating weaknesses, and continuing to push through the marathon that is the grad school application process. Her people/communication skills are excellent. Whether I needed a shoulder to lean on or a swift kick in the rear, her tone and approach flexed to accommodate whatever I needed most on any given day. Critiques were always returned to me either early or on time. One night while “burning the midnight oil” on an application, I wrote her a fairly detailed question around 10pm her time. Even though it was outside her normal work window, within the hour she selflessly provided actionable feedback and never made a fuss about it.
Jessica is a more than just a competent professional that gets results. She genuinely cares about the people she works with...and it shows. If you’re looking to maximize results on MBA applications, you’ll definitely want her on your team!
//SIGNED//
A grateful client and Duke MBA Candidate