GMAT Club

MBA Admissions Hourly Services Reviews

Since 2001, Stacy Blackman Consulting (SBC) clients have been admitted to every top business school worldwide, often with merit scholarships. SBC has a complete panel of former Admissions Officers from every top MBA program in-house. The SBC team has MBA expertise at every top US and EU school, has graduated from the best MBA programs and understands career paths in every industry, traditional and non- traditional. 

SBC deeply values mentor-ship within its client engagements and limits the number of clients for each consultant, engaging with clients only after its Validation Team evaluates candidacy strength. Stacy Blackman Consulting delivers results, as shown through its record of the highest number of online reviews across multiple sites, such as YELP. SBC offers a limited number of free consultations weekly for inquiries who have been pre-screened by our tenured team. Contact us for a free consultation to request time with an SBC Principal.      
4.9 /5 Average Rating
5 star
127
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Based on 134 reviews

AI Super-Summary of Customer Reviews for MBA Admissions Hourly Services*

The reviews highlight the pivotal role of application consultants in achieving successful outcomes in business school admissions. Amy's expertise particularly for Wharton, provided invaluable insights and interview preparation, leading to an offer. Alex, with his dedication and writing skills, effectively streamlined the application process, proving the consulting service to be a time-saving and worthwhile expense. Dawn's holistic and individualized approach helped an over-represented candidate stand out and secure a spot at INSEAD. Dione and Esther, through their thoughtful coaching and attention to detail, significantly enhanced the application narrative, resulting in acceptance to multiple top programs, showcasing the strength and individual tailoring of their consulting services.
2 users mention "Responsive"
  • "Alex is very responsive and will read your essays well into the night..." Read more
  • "She would reply ~2-12 hours later (at maximum, regardless of the time)..." Read more
2 users mention "Detail-Oriented"
  • "He helps bring out the best content and cut fluff...." Read more
  • "Dione was critical in helping me crystallize my 'career vision'..." Read more
2 users mention "Essay Editing"
  • "She provided multiple value-additive comments on my essays and application forms...." Read more
  • "helps bring out the best content and cut fluff...." Read more
2 users mention "Admitted"
  • "perform strongly, and receive an offer...." Read more
  • "I will be attending INSEAD next year..." Read more
1 users mention "Budget-Friendly"
  • "Being budget-conscious, my overall process was: take notes from Adam Markus blog..." Read more
1 users mention "Value for Money"
  • "I think that it was worth it for keeping me on track and explaining the process..." Read more
1 users mention "Europe MBA Programs"
  • "I will be attending INSEAD next year..." Read more
1 users mention "Top-Tier School Focus"
  • "Lived Up To Her Billing As A Wharton & MBA Expert!..." Read more
1 users mention "Non-traditional Backgrounds"
  • "developing and defining my story, which was essential to helping me stand out as an over-represented candidate...." Read more
1 users mention "Time Management"
  • "it saved me time (whole process took less than two weeks)...." Read more
1 users mention "US MBA Programs"
  • "support for my Executive MBA applications here in the US...." Read more
1 users mention "Interview Prep"
  • "the highlight of working with Amy was the interview preparation session..." Read more
*Review summaries are AI generated from 25 latest reviews in the past 2 years.
January 20, 2021
maisiemahoney

Joined: Jan 20, 2021

Posts: 0

Kudos: 0

Verified GMAT Classic score:
720 Q47 V42 (Online)

Highly recommend!

REVIEWER IDENTITY VERIFIED by score report [?]

I choose to use Stacy Blackman consulting after having a intro calls with a few different groups, and I am so happy I did! I worked with Bill Chionis and he was able to help me get admission to the Wharton EMBA program. Going in, I was unsure of what Wharton was looking for in a candidate. Bill knew the admissions process inside and out and was able to really help me position myself for the school. The knowledge I gained during my time with Bill was not only applicable to my application, but will be very useful for future interviews and any other applications I may do!

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January 13, 2021
tcorgi

Joined: Jul 12, 2020

Posts: 0

Kudos: 0

Verified GMAT Classic score:
710 Q44 V44

Highly Recommend Amy Bergrud & SBC

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Amy was amazing to work with, and I’m super happy with my outcome. I was accepted to a top MBA program (my first choice) with over half my tuition covered by scholarship. Amy really got to know me and understood my background. She helped me whip my resume into tip top shape and clarify my post MBA goals. She also did interview prep, which made me feel relaxed and confident.

Even though I attended an Ivy League school for undergrad, my GPA and GMAT left something to be desired. Amy helped me offset this by pushing me to highlight my work experience to best position myself as an applicant and offering insightful feedback on my essay.

I appreciated Amy’s honesty, thoughtfulness, and responsiveness. She was an invaluable resource, and I felt much less stressed since I could ask her questions about the application process. I would definitely recommend working with Amy!

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December 20, 2020
mattmack1592

Joined: Feb 10, 2020

Posts: 0

Kudos: 0

Verified GMAT Classic score:
720 Q49 V40 (Online)

HUGE thank you to Meg and the SBC team!!

REVIEWER IDENTITY VERIFIED by score report [?]

In a very competitive year, I was looking for anything to gain an edge over other applicants. After reading lots of reviews here on GMATclub and Poets&Quants, I decided on Stacy Blackman hourly services, and was placed with Meg, a former admissions officer at Booth. Meg was outrageously supportive and helped critique issues with my resume, application, and essay responses. She was extremely accessible and very prompt in answering emails. Her guidance led to my acceptance at the Cornell Johnson Graudate School of Management. I cannot thank Meg enough and highly recommend SBC to anyone looking to gain an edge in admissions!

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December 07, 2020
gonzalohf

Joined: Jan 17, 2017

Posts: 0

Kudos: 0

I cannot thank Bill enough for his support!

REVIEWER IDENTITY VERIFIED by school email address [?]

I found SBC through a thorough online search, and requested information on their services. Conversations went smoothly and soon enough I was paired with Bill Chionis.

I could not have been more fortunate to work with Bill. He understood what specific MBA programs look for in their candidates and helped me tailor my message and story so my strengths would reflect what the program was looking for. Before working with Bill, I was not able to organize my thoughts or outline my admissions process in a linear manner. Bill was the best at helping me gather my thoughts, polish my story with the right narrative, and prepared me for what came at every single step.

Apart from being extremely knowledgeable, Bill made sure to look out for the individual. During 2020 times were hard/discouraging and he was supportive throughout the process. I cannot thank Bill for his support, and I would 100% recommend!

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November 06, 2020
moSBC1

Joined: Nov 06, 2020

Posts: 0

Kudos: 0

Candid, apt, constructive

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Kim helped me in many ways but predominantly by "demystifying" the MBA application process… being an international applicant, I was full of questions and concerns. Kim was able to break each step down into manageable and meaningful pieces, with each step bringing me closer to a polished application. She helped me alleviate my insecurities and guided me through the process. I especially appreciated Kim's straightforward and honest feedback, which enabled me to truly reflect about my strengths and areas for improvement. Through candid brainstorming sessions and iterations of my essays with her, I was able to paint a story of my life and accomplishments with pride and confidence. I can recommend Kim to anyone who is looking for a consultant that pairs competency with honesty. I could not be more grateful for all of Kim's help. Teaming up with her for my applications was the best investment I ever made and is already changing my life. I got into my dream school and will be part of the class of 2023, at one of the best ivy league MBA programs in the country.

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July 29, 2020
embazealot

Joined: Dec 05, 2017

Posts: 0

Kudos: 0

Admitted into Wharton EMBA

REVIEWER IDENTITY VERIFIED by score report [?]

I started off the search for an executive MBA program knowing little about the process. During the search, I was overwhelmed, intimidated and confused when I looked at various school rankings and admission process. This is what prompted me to explore various executive MBA admission-consulting firms. I spoke with consultant from a few reputable companies but SBC’s approach, quality stood apart from the others. Particularly, Bill's reviews on various MBA websites motivated me to go for a complimentary profile assessment with him.

Right from the get go, Bill was very candid and friendly in his approach—a combination that I think is rare in most consultants. He patiently listened to my background and immediately pointed out areas of strengths and weaknesses. He was genuinely interested in my success and made a cogent argument on long-term value of an executive MBA. In fact, Bill was the one who suggested an hourly package rather than a comprehensive package based on my profile. I signed up for hourly consultation with Bill to help me with school shortlisting, essays, and interview preparation.

I had many questions about shortlisting schools. Bill was very patient, thorough and knowledgeable about the executive MBA admissions process for Wharton, Kellogg, Columbia, MIT and several other top business schools. His advice helped me eliminate a ton of hours of research and zero in on a few schools. He also pointed out schools I should focus on and the ones that may not be a good fit. This helped me strategically invest time in schools where I had the best admission chances.

Throughout the 12+ months of our interaction, Bill was a pillar of support for my application process. Perseverance and motivation are two key ingredients needed to put up a strong application for a top business school. Bill's methodical approach, no-nonsense feedback and gentle nudges (☺) were really helpful in making sure I stay focused on my goal. As Bill and I spent several hours (and emails :)) strategizing on my story, all parts of my application logically flowed from the unified strategy. My essays, recommendation letters and interviews had a common theme and complimented each other. As a result, I felt very comfortable during the interview process and was optimistic about my chances. I was elated to hear about my admit into Wharton and profusely thanked Bill soon after.

When you are evaluating executive MBA consultants, choose someone who can be honest about your candidature and can specifically tell you what s/he can do to help enhance your profile (and what aspects cannot be mitigated). This will level set your expectations and help you get into the best business school that fits your profile. Overall, I am so glad that I chose to work with Bill and SBC. Their professionalism, thoroughness and customer focus are top notch. Thank you Bill!

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June 07, 2020
yesla

Joined: Sep 09, 2014

Posts: 0

Kudos: 0

Verified GMAT Classic score:
770 Q50 V46

Highly recommended - admitted to HBS!

REVIEWER IDENTITY VERIFIED by score report [?]

From my initial free consultation with Bill, through each hour working with Kassidee, it was a pleasure working with SBC. I was accepted to HBS and could not have done it without Kassidee's help!

Based on Bill's recommendation, I chose an hourly package, rather than a comprehensive one. After the initial 'get to know you' call with Kassidee, we used the rest of the time to work through essay drafts and reserved one hour for a mock interview and feedback.

Through every step in the process, she was insightful, set high standards, and was both responsive and accommodating. During the brainstorming/essay phase, Kassidee always provided thoughtful feedback within 24 hours of me sending a draft or questions. Despite a significant time difference (~12 hours while I worked internationally), she always found time for calls almost immediately thereafter. She also struck an effective balance between giving me the space to write and holding me accountable for meeting our interim draft deadlines.

Her insights into the HBS experience were invaluable in helping me strategize, fine-tune essays, and feel confident going into my interview. Throughout, she was empathetic and friendly. I highly recommend working with her.

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April 19, 2020
Anonymous190

Joined: Apr 19, 2020

Posts: 0

Kudos: 0

Couldn't have asked for better

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When you are looking for an MBA consulting firm, you want one that has a reputation which draws on the caliber of its consultants and has the expertise and experience across the schools that you are interested to apply to.

SBC demonstrated that from the beginning for me. Just speaking with Sarah for thirty minutes, she was able to provide insights and bring her expertise to bear on my application. SBC also stood out from other firms in that they cater to candidates coming in from every stage of the application process. In my case, they were willing to partner and go "all-in" with me even though I had only three weeks remaining for the R2 deadlines.

I worked with Alex L as my SBC consultant and I could not have asked for a better MBA consultant. Alex is one of the most professional individuals I have the pleasure of working with over my 12-year career. He was personally invested through the whole process and brought his considerable skills and expertise in each step of the application. His partnership helped to showcase my accomplishments and my personal story to its fullest. Even then, just by working with him, I was able to improve on my personal communication skills and bring that back to how I communicate at work and at a personal level.

Alex was a partner whom I could completely trust and rely on throughout the application process. He was responsive and would usually reply within a few hours. He worked with me on the deadlines and was available whenever I needed him. He added a personal touch as well, checking in on me and my recovery when I fell sick during the application process. Thinking back, I’m just floored by the level of effort and passion he brought in every stage of the application. Based on his dedication, I know it is not just a job to him, but a role where he is personally invested to help you achieve your goals. Alex is someone whom I am honored to partner with and hope to continue a friendship with even after my application process.

I applied to the Stanford GSB MSx program and it was a moonshot for me given how challenging it is to enter the program and how I had only three weeks to prepare the application, obtain letters of recommendations and study for the GRE. Yet, with Alex's help, I was able to overcome all these and obtain an admissions offer from the Stanford GSB. Thank you, Alex!

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March 17, 2020
aferra18

Joined: Mar 17, 2020

Posts: 0

Kudos: 0

Stacy Blackman-Gina

REVIEWER IDENTITY VERIFIED by school email address [?]

It was an absolute pleasure working with Gina. She challenged me to think outside the box on areas of my essay(s) that needed work. She gave me guidance on refining areas that looked good. Most importantly, Gina helped me develop my story in a clear and concise manner. I appreciate the quick responses by Gina (even during the holiday season!) and am very glad we were able to work together on this project. She was always readily available, offered great feedback and was honest in her opinions. If something looked forced or cheesy, she called me out on it and I appreciate and respect that. She did not just give me a pat on the back and say good job, she brought the best out in me and that is all that I could ask for. I highly recommend Gina. :)

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March 07, 2020
mavericky

Joined: Jan 09, 2011

Posts: 11

Kudos: 5

Kimberly Ge was fantastic!!

REVIEWER IDENTITY VERIFIED by score report [?]

Had got a reject from all b-schools previous year for Full-Time MBA applications. This year I was planning to apply only to 2 schools- Kellogg and Booth for Part-Time MBA. Got admit from Kellogg, so did not apply to Booth :)

Kim helped me
-convey story in my essays
-refine my resume which was earlier nowhere close to what bschools expect
-prepare for interview with sample questions and how to structure answers clearly
Kim was very patient and I took time to come up with improvement in my essays. I dealt with her from Oct 2019 to Feb 2020. Her suggestions brought clarity in my essays. She responded proactively to any quick questions I emailed her. She also suggested on what points from my profile should be emphasized and which ones to be hidden to provide the best possible version of myself. Without her help, my applications materials would have been vague, confusing and difficult to understand by adcom.

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39 Older and Non-Verified Reviews for Stacy Blackman Consulting