I worked with Sherry Holland from Stacy Blackman consulting over the course of three months during the application process. I was worried about my application because of a lowish GPA and non-traditional work experience but Sherry worked with me very thoughtfully to help me work my genuine story into my application.

I started the admissions process late in the game and really don't think I could have gotten into the schools I did without Sherry. She worked with me at all hours, even late at night at the last minute for a couple of my applications, giving excellent suggestions as I was finishing my applications. Her greatest strength was her ability to help me understand how to communicate my story in a way that registered with admissions officers. I have to say my essays were really good by the end and I couldn't have done it without Sherry.

After I was admitted, Sherry also helped me understand how to communicate with the MBA admissions department to respectfully seek scholarship money. I was able to get a $$$ scholarship to an excellent MBA program.

I couldn't be happier with Sherry and will now be attending a top-ten MBA program. I give her my full recommendation.

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I was extremely uncertain and stressed going into the b-school app process. While I thought that using a consultant might be a waste of money, I quickly realized that I was getting overwhelmed from the irrelevant info on countless internet blogs and friend's opinions. I also realized that I did have anyone close to me (colleagues, family, etc) that were very familiar with the b-school process. I had some conversations with a few consultants and found Kevin to be professional, honest and easy to talk to (this was very important).

I purchased the all-in-one package for a single school and the money turned out to be extremely well spent. SBC did a fantastic job. I found their consolidated program information as well as sample essays to be critical in my success. Kevin was very calm, gave me detailed information on the schools that would have been difficult to track down via other means, and guided me through the whole process. When I didn't think that I was good enough to go to Stanford, he told me that I should definitely apply. He told me exactly where to put my energy so that I didn't try to do too many things at once or waste energy on things that weren't as important. He helped me pick some of the best stories to make me shine. His mock interview with me was extremely necessary in getting my head in the game for the real interviews. This sounds silly, but the single most important part of the package is that he consistently gave me pep talks to help calm me down and focus my energy....in the end I got into GSB (dreams do come true!!). I would recommend SBC and especially Kevin to anyone in the application process.

One final note -- no admissions consultant will be a miracle worker. They can't change your scores or give you experiences that you haven't had -- but they can help you to better sell/market experiences you do have...I would highly recommend speaking with multiple consultants (before you spend any money) to find someone that you really "fit" with.

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I lucked out when I was matched with Bridget at Stacy Blackman.

Over the many months we worked together, Bridget was honest, encouraging, and methodical in the way she supported me through the MBA admissions process. She made a commitment to review any admissions content I sent to her within 24 hours; she stayed true to that, and most of the time provided feedback to me within a few hours. When I hit writer's block, she coached me through it. When I needed motivating pep talks, she was right there with me on the phone. When my work schedule jammed up, she was always willing to meet with me, no matter how late or early it was.

Bridget was also critical to the high quality of my letters of recommendation. She interacted with my recommenders independently, preserving the confidentiality honor code and providing them feedback from a third party's point of view. As someone who could read all of my recommendations and essays--who also didn't know me prior to being matched with me--she had a holistic and impartial point of view. I believe that is a huge benefit of having a consultant. No coworker, friend, or family member could have offered the same expert, unbiased, and evaluative opinions that Bridget and Stacy Blackman Consulting offered to me.

Bridget's experience working within admissions committees, studying as an alumna of a top MBA program, and being a meticulous written and verbal communicator made her an extremely important part of my admissions process. I highly recommend anyone who gets the opportunity to partner with her to accept before someone else takes her.

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Initially, I was a bit hesitant to pick an admissions consultant, but I picked SBC after reading many of their positive reviews online.
My consultant was Seher Khanna, initially I was a bit hesitant since she was the first consultant assigned to me and I felt it’d be difficult to determine how comfortable I’d be working with her from the first few calls, and the fact that I couldn’t find any reviews about her. However, looking back I think I made the best decision.
I had a high GPA, however a <700 GMAT. Despite that Seher believed in me and my choice of schools. Seher helped me dig deep into my experiences to come up with the stories that showcase the skills and traits schools look for.
I was aiming high, top 5 schools. I was happy that I got two interviews and more happy when I got admitted to HBS. After this experience, I really believe that a good consultant is necessary to distinguish yourself out of the pool of the highly qualified applicants. Consultants will not create the experience you lack, however they’ll help you market and sell what you already have.

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I'm a little older applicant so it was easy for me to write a million ideas that ultimately lacked focus. Kevin kept me grounded and helped me to see how to keep to my brand, giving me great advice on essay edits that got me into Booth. It was a process that evolved and he was happy to answer my questions. I bought 5 hours and spent 1 in review and strategy, 3 in essay and resume edits, and the last 1 on a mock interview. I also bought the guides for recommendations, Booth interview, and resume prep. Everything is consistent and insightful. I highly recommend their services!

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After working with Stacy Blackman Consulting for 8 months I give their team my highest recommendation. I honestly *almost* enjoyed developing my applications because I felt so confident as I crafted my story and worked through each piece of my package. My consultant was incredibly patient, never making me feel badly as I experienced doubt and fear at various times. Response time was impressively fast and insights were beyond invaluable. My application came a very very long way and I truly felt that I put my best foot forward every step of the way. Ultimately admitted to 4 schools, I am going to my ultimate dream school, Kellogg, and was offered money from other programs. (Not Kellogg unfortunately). I absolutely recommend making this investment. If you want to go to the best school you should work with the best team. I do believe they are the best and worth every penny.

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Bill Chionis with Stacy Blackman Consulting was a rock star. I was skeptical if I would be a fit for a top program. I did not have stellar grades as an undergraduate and did not have the work background of a typical executive MBA applicant. I was also extremely hesitant on hiring a consultant. Would they really provide any value?

Bill quickly displaced all of my concerns. It was clear from our first conversation that he knew what he was doing and his easy-going manner would be a great fit for me. He helped me discover and express the strengths that I did possess. He provided great advice on how to approach the differing essays and was extremely patient throughout the process. Most importantly, I always sensed he believed in me.

The interview prep was spot on. Bill anticipated the questions I’d be asked and had me thoroughly prepared.

The entire experience was fantastic. I ultimately only applied to Kellogg and was accepted. I am confident this would not have been the case without the encouragement and advice I received from Bill.

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I was a unique candidate with several entrepreneurial ventures under my belt that don't fit within a neat box. Luckily I contacted SBC for help. Esther Magna put me in touch with Dawn Clare, and the rest is history. I was admitted into Stanford GSB's 2015 MSx Program (i.e. Sloan Program), the GSB's awesome 12-month, full time accelerated business degree for mid-career professionals.

Dawn's advice and recommendations were spot on! She helped me craft a unique application strategy tailored to the specific sensibilities of the executive level program I was applying for. The comprehensive application strategy included a custom executive resume template, recommender and essay guidance, and many email and phone strategy sessions. What stood out was Dawn's specific knowledge of the Stanford GSB, then translated into the fundamental attributes of me as a professional that should be highlighted within my application. She knew how to differentiate the GSB's MSx program from the MBA program - showing a detailed knowledge of both.

Many thanks to Dawn, Esther, and SBC!

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I had an incredible experience working with Caryn and Stacy Blackman Consulting. From the initial phone call through successful admission to one of my target schools, SBC made the process as smooth as possible. Caryn helped me structure my application strategy and always delivered helpful, constructive feedback. Caryn had a wealth of knowledge about each of my target schools and about the application process in general. The most helpful part of working with SBC was the consistent, helpful feedback. Caryn did not shy away from giving the tough feedback that I would not have gotten from family members, friends and colleagues. The MBA application process is challenging and stressful, but it was a pleasure working with SBC. I highly recommend SBC and Caryn to any prospective MBA students.

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I had a great experience with Stacy Blackman Consulting and would recommend it to other prospective students. Lisa was with me every step of the way and quick to respond to my many questions. She really exceeded all of my expectations. Eventually I was accepted to my first choice (Wharton) and I know that Lisa played a huge role.

Coming from a military background, my biggest concern was translating my experiences into something that the civilian ADCOMs would understand and relate to. Lisa helped me do this incredibly well. By the end I had crafted a "brand" for myself that I was proud of.

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