When I started my business school application process, I seriously doubted whether or not I could get into a top program due to my below average GMAT score. Lindsay not only instilled confidence in me, but also helped me execute flawless applications to all of my top choices (most of which were reach programs). She helped me frame my story in a way that made perfect sense, and most importantly helped me highlight experiences that on the surface I didn’t think were that unique. From the initial brainstorming session, to my countless essays, to interview prep, Lindsay was there by my side every step of the way. I can’t say enough about her, she is the best in the business.

Read More

I was referred to Stacy Blackman Consulting by a friend who was also going through the MBA application process. I was coming from a non-traditional background for business school and I didn’t have a lot of resources to help guide me through the process and was feeling overwhelmed and lost.

I was matched with Erika and from our very first call I knew that she would be the mentor and support system that I needed to go through this process. She was able to boil down the daunting amount of work ahead and give me insight into the most important things to work on and in what order. Erika’s brainstorming exercises helped me define by short and long-term goals, choose the strengths that I wanted to emphasize, and identify the weaknesses that I needed to explore. She helped me pull my story together cohesively and gave me important feedback that was honest and supportive. Erika was always very quick to respond and her notes on my essays were comprehensive. We primarily communicated via email, but she also made herself available to conduct a mock phone interview before my first interview which was extraordinarily helpful.

Another resource that Stacy Blackman offers that was invaluable is the video platform to practice and review interview responses for each school. Using that program made me more comfortable for Skype interviews and video essays that some schools require. The Flight Test gave me the perspective of a fresh set of eyes on my application and caught a few details that I otherwise would have missed.

I ended up getting into a top 5 school with a large scholarship, and could not be more excited! When I look back, I can’t imagine going through this process without Erika.

Read More

I worked with Lindsay and her advice throughout my application process was invaluable. She gave me the exact information I needed and answered my questions with firm and clear direction.

Her consultation saved me so much time (and money!) by helping me prioritize the sections of my application that needed the most attention and focus.

I was up against a tight timeline and she was clear, upfront and communicative about deadlines and the process of working together.

I'm thrilled to say I got into my top choice program. I would happily recommend her to anyone going through the application process, especially for the Stern part-time program.

Read More

I signed up for Stacy Blackman and the service was exceptional. Beth Tidmarsh was always available, helpful and provided meaningful and useful feedback. In the end, I was able to get offers from all of the schools I had applied for. I would highly recommend the services.
The improvements on my resume, essays and pitch were all substantial and I do not believe that I would have had the success I had without their assistance.
I have said it already but the professionalism of the service was bar none and Beth adapted the process to meet my needs and requirements while also adjusting to my unique prior work experiences and credentials.

Read More

Like many MBA applicants, I didn't have a lot of free time to spend on my application so I needed someone that was going to be straight forward and help me to address some of my application concerns (atypical work background, poor law school performance). I did my due diligence and contacted several different consulting firms to see which I felt most comfortable with. SBC felt to me to be the most aligned with my needs.
I was paired with Beth and she was outstanding! She was direct about my opportunities within my application and very helpful in assisting me to craft my story in a way that tied my background together very well. By the end I felt very comfortable with my application, and after our conversations the interview was a breeze and I'm happy to say that I was accepted to my top choice.

Read More

I was waitlisted at Fuqua this past application season, and hired SBC to develop a strategy to ultimately get accepted. SBC connected me with Stephanie Cohn, who used to work in the admissions office at Fuqua. She was incredibly knowledgeable about what Fuqua was looking for in me as a candidate, and provided invaluable guidance as to application updates and communications with the admissions team. Specifically, she pinpointed strengths in my candidacy that I hadn't adequately communicated to the adcom, and without her insight, I likely never would have known that these were communication weaknesses I could improve on.

In addition, she was very accommodating of my busy work schedule, and didn't object to scheduling 1-2 hour meetings in the evening. I can't say enough about Stephanie's expertise! I am enrolling at my dream school this fall, and I owe it all to her!

Read More

I had good work experience and strong academics and gmat score, but executed my apps poorly. I was only waitlisted at 2 top 5 schools. I needed help and reached out to several firms and Esther from Stacy Blackman gave the most thoughtful response in which she advised me to work with experts, Jay Jacobs and Beth Tidmarsch. Both helped me strategize and deliver a series of communication to the schools which helped me get admitted. They gave insightful ideas and are responsive. I recommend you to work with Esther, Beth, and Jay who have helped me to attend a top MBA this fall.

Read More

I can't say that I "enjoyed" the process, but Erika was an incredible resource throughout my MBA application process and I'm very happy with how my applications and admissions decisions turned out.

I hired SBC only about two months before the application deadlines, so I was very concerned that I wouldn't have time to get out high quality applications while still fulfilling my responsibilities at work.

Erika guided me through the whole process. We started with an initial kick off phone call and extensive 'about me' survey and then worked on drafting the essays and application fields.

For each, we’d iterate on an outline and then she would review and mark up my drafts. Some were really easy to get done and some took a lot of turns. Regardless, it felt like Erika was willing to stick with me through as many rounds of edits as it took.

There were a few key advantages of using Erika at SBC:
Quality of Writing - She is very skilled at projecting your authentic voice, but framing your story in a way that is much more concise and refined than you possibly sound in real life

Experience with the Applications - Erika knows what works and what doesn’t. She shot down many of my bad essay ideas along the way and shaped my overall applicant story into a compelling narrative

Speed - Working with Erika, you can churn out an essay per week, which is much faster than you could ever do on your own.

Overall, I was very happy with my experience working with Erika at SBC. She definitely won’t write the essays for you, but if you’re willing to put in the effort and work with her, you’ll be impressed with the results.

Read More

I only applied to HBS and Stanford with a plan to reapply to a bigger group of schools if I did not get in anywhere. I drafted both applications on my own and was ready to submit in round 1. I shared my essays with an older colleague at my firm who had graduated from the GSB. He did not approve but didn’t have time to really guide me. He also was not sure exactly how to help me – he just strongly felt they were not ready, and he suggested I work with a consulting firm. So I researched firms and eventually hired Stacy Blackman for just two hours, thinking that they would review and quickly edit. After my consultant reviewed my essays he basically explained that the essays were well written and might get an “A” in an English class, but did not have the content that a top MBA program was looking for. I truly connected with my consultant, Margaret, and I took a leap of faith. I upgraded to a 2 school package and postponed to Round 2. We started from scratch brainstorming and completely redid the essays. The final product was something that I was so proud of and that I never could have done on my own. Margaret had incredible insight into what an adcomm looks for and how to take my experiences and present them in an interesting way. I AM GOING TO HBS!!! Thank you SBC. Thank you Margaret. It was a rewarding journey, I learned so much about myself and could not be happier with the investment and the results.

Read More

I spent the month prior to signing up with Stacy Blackman Consulting Services not being able to sleep because I was so stressed out about the MBA application process. Once I started working with Margaret all the stress quickly faded away. She truly made it easy and even somewhat enjoyable to work on my applications. I have learned so much about the admissions process by working with Margaret-- she is definitely an expert at her craft. Even my resume, which I thought I had perfected after 10 drafts was completely revamped and improved. I was very impressed! Product turn-a-round was always timely and she asked pertinent questions to keep the ball rolling for essay/resume improvements. I purchased 10 hours and she was so efficient that we were able to finish essays for all 6 schools [Emory, WashU, GA Tech, Georgetown, USC (Southern Cal), and UGA] that I applied to. I was accepted to 4 of 6 and waitlisted at the other 2 (Georgetown & USC). Statistically speaking I did not have a high chance at some of these but I am excited to announce that I will be attending Emory University in the fall! I couldn't have done it without SBC and Margaret's help. Highly recommend!

Read More